In regards to the spinning of the Litter we have suspended operations in my unit until a new procedure is put in place. Our new helo has a considerable amount of rotor downwash and really moves a person or litter around depending on the hover height and wind strength. Even using the guideline attached to our litter, it was still hard to control just about the time it came to the bottom of the aircraft and would cause damage to both aircraft and litter.
As for arm chair quarterbacking, I have been doing this for a number of years and personally would of lowered the litter to the ground, depending on the suitability of the surface. Definitely a good crew debrief was had post flight to address the issue and learn from it. Thumbs up to the person in the litter, came away with no further injuries is amazing considering the spin
