We had a good lecture by somone from the Norwegian Rescue Coordination Centre. He told us most of the time they have a pretty good idea, and often pin point idea where people are, thanks to their cell phones. This as most people call in themselves, rather than being reported missing, and unless they are completely lost, they are able to tell their position, or at least describe the area. . So most of the time it's quite simple "fetching" missions. I.e they send out the helicopter to pick somoene who has been injured off a mountain, or if feasable, a mountain rescue team from the Red Cross.