The American rescue basket is actually a neat design, and have very long history - it was designed in the 50's... by the Navy I believe, it replaced a rope "bird cage" like device.
Crab, check out the Russian rescue basket, now that's a wild one. Designed to accommodate 3 victims, but they pretty much have to be held in place, or strapped in. So there is no way to use it without a rescue swimmer, although it supposed to be used by... sweeping victims off the surface. Never seen it used like that, and don't think will ever do.