everyone wants to help out when there is an emergency(ie:finding the missing climbers on Mt Hood)...commendable, BUT- what would really help is for people to do that kinda stuff every day. There just isnt a way for the search and rescue teams to prepare folks to participate in a complicated rescue operation on a seconds notice or when tragedy strikes. If you really want to do your part then get out there and volunteer your skills every day.

Give blood, be a donor, join a fire dept or ambulance corps... even the library...whatever your skills/time allow. it all helps. just do it

just dont stand up when a plane strikes a building and say "Hey, what can I do?"