Those that believe that a heli can be dual-tasked are deluding themselves. Superficially it sounds like a good idea but the competing priorities are incompatible.
Imagine you spend 6 months setting up a big drugs bust, you 't'-up all the players and the chopper cover is vital to success (covering escape routes, covert observation and video surveillance as well as providing down-linked pictures to C & C. Then there is a motorway pile-up from hell and the whole job is blown because the dispatch protocols call the need for medical assistance from the chopper unit.
or..... the other way round
You are sitting on the ground in AA role awaiting the return of paramedic/doc with patient and the cops demand the chopper because they have a bank robbery in progress with possible hostages......
I could go on. Yes, it works after fashion but dual-rolling will only ever be a very very poor second.
Now.... if you want to be like the French who have a pool of public service helicopters ..... that's a different kettle of fish.
Dual Roll = THE WORST POSSIBLE COMPROMISE - dont do it!!!!!
CKD
