Again, you’re bringing up a scenario that from statistics hasn't been experienced and probably won’t. As Crab explained, if we’re talking those numbers they will task more than one helicopter. Ultimately it’s the CG/tax payer who is covering the cost of the service. They use empirical data to feed the bid requirement which isn’t 17.
From what I’ve heard from former colleagues in the U.K. the 189 has grown on them. There are quite a few older gentlemen who have time in Sea King, S92 and 189 and they’re still going strong. Stretcher entry is a lot easier and the working space in the cabin isn’t an issue.
LZ