This is a difficult question.

If you wish to bill the rescued victim after the events... and they know this beforehand... people will not call for help. <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Which is something we don't want obviously.

I think the government should assume most of the costs of the expensive tools and services used during SAR (helicopters, boats, gasoline, etc.) but the SAR teams themselves should assume the more basic costs (nourishment, drinks, basic gear).