Rescue overflights should be drones first, helicopters later.

It's now demonstrated that unmanned aerial vehicles  ( UAV ) drones can fly over much of the earth's surface in lieu of human pilots. Manned planes are heavier and more expensive but also expose amother human to risk.

If that's the case, then rescue missions should lead with drones before pilots are put at risk.  UAV can reduce the search area and in case of bad weather reduce the time on station for over flight.