In an effort to get this thread back to the top, let me add to the list.
The transport of Hyperbaric chambers (with a patient and an attendant inside) in both helicopters and fixed wing. (Eight hours is a long time to go without having a pee!)
The manufactur and use of the harnesses and rescue strops (including the hypothermia strop) that were the forerunners of all the gear that is being used today.
Supply drop training (gotta love that Denning Mouse) for civvy SAR units.
Pararescue and all that goes with it, including using square, ram air parachutes as opposed to the round 'chutes the USAF PJ were (are?) using.
And all sorts of other fun stuff like throwing jet skis out of planes, purely for rescue purposes only!!!
Oh, and burning down the odd island. It was ok the SAS got the blame didn't they Higgo
