Just for the record guys and, (Iron), in case I was misunderstood.
I have no objection to a guy who is a paramedic becoming a winchman. the fact that he is a paramedic will indeed be an advantage to him however, lets get things in the right order..
FIRST he must be capable of operating as a winchman (AIRCREW) with all that that entails. Any experienced SAR guy will know what I mean.
SECOND for a small proportion of his time (I estimate 5-10%) he will use his paramedic skills so a qualified aviator can be taught that later.
Not everyone is suitable to be aircrew. There is aptitude, selection and it takes a hell of a lot of training to be fully spammed up rear crew and a fully integrated member of the crew. The winchman is not just a bit of kit you can call on as and when you start winching.
Some paramedics will be great at this and they should be given the chance but lets get it right; AIRCREW first, paramedic second.
Of course, I might just be niaive and and not up with the bright new future for UKSAR............!!! What do you think Iron??