This documentary details the bureaucratic challenges faced by search and rescue personnel and their desperate need for civilian drones which are restricted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Countless lives could be saved with this existing and affordable technology, but the government prohibited their use in 2007.
By Gus and Maha Calderon
The Truth About Drones 
As an RC enthusiast, I certainly identify with your frustration with both the FAA and the over-reaction to “drones” by the media, public and local governments. But there’s two things I’d like to point out:
1) What is and isn’t a “drone” isn’t clearly defined. The RC community is pushing a definition that includes autonomous flight capabilities – that the craft can pilot itself. An RC aircraft has a human pilot – they just aren’t in the aircraft. A drone doesn’t have a pilot – or doesn’t have to have one. It can fly itself. The “drones” in this video were all being flown by a human. Possibly that’s for takeoff & landing, and it flies autonomously otherwise.
2) For now, the FAA considers recreational use of drones the same as any other model aircraft. Contrary to what was stated here, there are restrictions on that use. We’re not allowed to fly in ways that might interfere with full-size aircraft – meaning near an airport, or above 400 ft. SAR uses should be exempt from those restrictions as well.