How did the RAF cope before they haad NVG?
What a naive comment. It is obvious how they coped; there were some things they couldn't do which they can now. Does that mean they should go back? There are some things the military can do, at night, that the coastguard can't. This is not a dig at the coastguard, it is a fact. I am sure they would be just as good if they had the kit and the training (and were allowed to use it).
Incidentally, and I am not sure how the coastguard would view this (I assume exactly the same as us) there has been more than one Medevac flown by RAF Sea Kings this week, when a fixed-wing air ambulance has been physically available but not capable of doing the job, as the required incubator did not have CAA approval. There are benefits of a rescue platform (military or civilian) not having to comply with CAA rules.