The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word HELPLINE
H
E
L
P
L
I
N
E
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Rescue assistance?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case rescue assistance? = helpline.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HELPLINE mean?
HELPLINE noun- A telephone service (or (by extension) one using email, SMS or the Web) which offers help to those who call, as either a public emergency service or customer service.