Just in case it influences anyone's decision. I treat NPC and monsters with the same rules as the PC's get. So the orcs that were down in the combat get death saves and can spend HD during a short rest. I just normally don't worry about it (as it makes for tedious game play) unless you don't "finish" the encounter, like in this case.
Looks like I'm outvoted, but that's fine; I only voted that way because I don't think this quest advances the main plot. Let's go rescue some villagers! Once we've healed and regrouped:-D