OK, I've done a bit too. As an ex mil and ex-civilian NVG instructor and ex-SAR pilot, I'm as receptive to new ideas as anyone, (hence my quite varied career). From later in life, whilst flying as a police pilot, I can recall quite a few times when either, or both would have been very nice to have.
However, I stand by what I said in the post before your last.
There are obviously other factors to consider. The training bill would be quite considerable, depending on what level of competence might be expected and mandated.
In UK we really do need a properly "joined up" organisation for civil emergency services helicoptering (a civil air wing), especially if RAF SAR is to be run down even more (I'm not an advocate of that, btw). Without it and without proper funding, any real progress will be very difficult.