Presumably there's still a reasonable number of military SAR crew available if they are able to advertise for experienced TC? Do you think they will continue with the experienced paramedic route for ab initio winch operators as well in the future?
There is no front-line SAR in the UK military now (apart from 84 Sqn in Cyprus). Most went to Bristow when the service was privatised. Few outside of UK SAR will have kept up their professional medical qualifications.
Ambulance technician level was what was required for winch operators - paramedic is for winchmen.