its a tough role to get into esp SAR in Ireland/UK. Even after you graduate from getting a degree in Paramedics i was told that you need at least 2 years expierience in that enviorment and then apply. Having winch expierience helps but not that necessary as they will train you as winch to their standard. They used to hire winchmen and train them as paramedics but now its kinda vice versa. Alot ex military will be applying in the future also & toise guys have got great expierience.
Im hoping to get winch op in the future back in UK or Ireland but in no hurry at the moment. i got my crewie ticket in Oz and hoping to build up my hours then do my EMT when go back home. Thats the plan anyways but its a very tough selection so im not putting all my eggs into one basket. The crewie game is a hard nut to crack but if selected its a hell of a career.