Fortunately Epiphany, many people's lives have been saved in appalling conditions by the sort of 'hero' you wish to denigrate in your rather smug and self-satisfied post.
I am not fan of the gung-ho approach to SAR but flying in ****e conditions to save lives is often what is required and if it is done it should be a crew decision.
I must point out that this is neither blatant self- promotion nor civvy bashing, the fact is that a lot of SAR crews both mil and civ have put themselves at considerable personal risk to save the lives of others - that is the reality of SAR and probably why you didn't fit in well.
Enjoy your tax free salary.