Perhaps a bit in the special application department, some seismic operators employ a "bag runner" which requires no ground personnel to attach to load to the long/short line of the helicopter.
Personnel do have to lay the load out properly before hand, but do not need to be present during the actual hook-up. This allows the helicopter to quickly move from location to location, making multiple pickups without waiting for groundcrew.
http://www.veritasdgc.com/bins/conte...p?cid=4-99-645