Sorry to muddy the water with the odd fact:
Commercial pressure? - Trust me that if this was a commercial decision, CHC would not be doing it. It will always be cheaper and quicker to employ a fully trained ex military SAR winchman. This new winchman will be on the standard payscale.
Aircrew first, paramedic second? - No argument here. Do we have to train them that way round? Of course you don't.
Should winchmen go through a recognised training course at a recognised training establishment? - Yes they should!
Civilian SAR has a low and unpredictable turnover of rearcrew, at the moment with four bases it cannot justify an established training school. This will be addressed under SAR-H. A winchman vacancy has arisen at a time when there are no suitable external applicants and there is access to a qualified paramedic, bursting with enthusiasm who has undergone extensive winching and water confidence selection under the supervision of the Chief Crewman. This is a costly investment in an individual, who would otherwise be unable to realise his dream to become an SAR winchman and CHC hope that the investment will be repaid through the acquisition of a dedicated employee for years to come.
I say to him. "Good luck in your course and welcome to the SAR fraternity"
(where people watch a lot of SKY TV and repeatedly post on the internet how their dick is bigger than that of their civ/mil counterpart)