So why are the US coastguard and other heli operators still persisting with the basket as a means to rescue people? A clip on the TV today showed 2 terrified kids, alone in the basket being winched up to the helo with no protection, no supervision, no comfort and no hope of survival if one of them panicked and tried to get out. Use a winchman and do it properly - if you can send him down to put them in the basket he can just as easily come up with them. If you haven't got a winchman to send down then get one.