“The rescued were airlifted to Calgary’s Foothills Hospital. They had all their stuff on them. What makes this situation so stressful?” ”

As well, “saviour” is a very strong word with Christian overtones; it is usually only used in extreme and or life-threatening situations, or if the speaker/writer is pumping up the rhetoric a bit. When you’re working with a rescuer, you know that the crew is neutral. Hence being the rescuer.

Victims may also be used in some situations, especially if crime or human agency caused the danger.