On a helicopter forum this is probably one of those 'wash your mouth out' moments....
The RNLI [lifeboats] have taken on hovercraft in recent years and more to come .... I assume [if I have understood what I read in the press releases correctly] that part of the reason for aquiring these craft was to undertake this type of mission.
They at least take out [most of] the dangerous 'third dimension' when they 'fly' to rescues over mud flats. Additionally they can sit and think about it as they sit 8 inches off the surface! Not recommended in any helicopter.