NRDK,
Yes it is a serious point of discussion.
With 1000's of EMS operations around the world it is hard to believe that every one would agree with each other and does the same level of training and currency.
The environment they operate in, commercial restraints between government and privately funded EMS providers would in itself suggest there may be great variables.
You then have the operations that have more toys to be current with to those who have less.
CASA does have IFR recency requirements laid down in our CAO's but they are a legal minimum for all operators to meet. One would suggest over water at night descending below lowest safe and doing night winch operations would present more of challenge then doing a GPS arrival to a airfield!!!
In some parts of Europe EMS operations are restricted to day only. Those operations preceive the risk is too great. Others will do hospital to hospital only and no scene response.
In the USA I know of operations that maintain IFR currency for VFR operations only.
We have all read about the SAR single engine, single pilot VFR helicopter that recently ended up in the sea at night 100 miles off the coast. That was an accident with many, many factors attached and from the comments to date a book could be written about it.
The helicopter that then rescued them was a multi engine IFR, 4 axis autopilot with two pilots. I know which operation I would prefer to be working for. The fact these things happen and no doubt will continue to in the future suggests attitudes of the companies and the pilots are not always possibly right.
EMS had a period during the rapid growth of the industry in the USA of having a very high accident rate. No doubt things have improved now, the majority of those accidents where not as a result of mechanical failures of the helicopter but that of the pilots flying them. One could draw from that their training and currency may also have been lacking if not just the belief that it all rested on their shoulders to do the mission and save a life at the expense of their own!!
Your views are still sought and for the record 19years in the industry and yes an ATPL even if it is an Aussie one!!
Best wishes and enjoy the summer while it lasts, it is winter here and still great at the beach.