For all I know, sometimes we tried to use FLIR gear with varying success. But even professional military grade FLIR is hard to use in a forest, for example.

There was a case when FLIR had been useful, for example in winter rescue from a drifting ice pack, IIRC.

Also, Liza Alert is cooperating heavily with the 'Angel' volunteer helicopter rescue service. These guys are amazing heli pilots who volunteered to help with SAR missions. My job as a radio operator involves interoperating with them sometimes :)

I'm fairly new and the first time I had to do it I've completely forgotten how to work the pilots, despite being a licensed amateur operator :)