Firstly, well done for coming on board and letting everyone know the FACTS.
Secondly, the opening post had to include something about the "non-critical" patient - what a load of crap!
When SAR aircraft are tasked, the decision is NOT based on the patient condition - you are simply asked to see if you can do the job or not - end of story. What happens during the flight is totally up to the aircraft commander. If they decide to bust a limit, they have to live with the consequences. Its got nothing to do with experience.
Good on you for not keeping it quiet. Sounds like a tough job.
"The only time you've got too much fuel is when you are on fire!"