Crab
When I was Chief Pilot of a Police Helicopter Unit in England, I had sight of a document from MOD that said in summary:
Prepare for the day that no MOD assets are available for Military Aid to the Civil Power or Community.
That is why the far-sighted ES Aviation units are considering all possible options, including Night EMS Winching on NVG.
I take particular offence at your comment about enthusiastic amateurs. Having worked with all three Armed Forces and all three Emergency Services, I can assure you that the Fire, Police and Ambulance services can be far more capable and professional than you will ever be. Lets face it, you haven't moved on since the 1940's when the first downed airman was plucked from the sea with a winch equipped helicopter.
BTW, in your illustrious 25 year career in Military SAR (is that all you have done?) how many downed military aircrew have you rescued?