They work on the information they have at the time, initial reports come in from shocked people. What if the initial call had been as accurate as they often are???
You would see posts here saying "seven people were trapped and the idiots DIDN'T send the air assets!! ARE THEY STUPID??"
You can't win, whatever you do.
Peter, you are looking at it from your side of the fence, my side sees different. You think you are right, I think that I am. I would rather see an aircraft stood down than paramedics at a chaotic scene wondering where the helicopters are.