Shetlander,
To try and get this thread back on track. Unless you are currently a Paramedic or a qualified crewman, you are going to have a difficult job breaking into the SAR world. Government legislation requires winchman to be qualified Paramedics, or undergoing training, and I believe that SAR(H) has that written into the contract. The last group of guys that I am aware of that were recruited off the street were for the JIGSAW project; I attended the Immediate Emergency Care Course with some of them who had been, military winchmen, painter decorator, policeman and butcher amongst others. I understand that not all completed training basic training, that in many respects is just like the military, I say basic training, because whilst they ended up on shift, initially they were only qualified to lift people out of water and boats. I believe that many have completed further training and are now qualified to carry out more advanced roles.
Try and avoid the mud slinging and pointed remarks of some of the posters, they all believe passionately about what they do and are unwilling to accept a percieved degredation of service. In future, the military will not be a ready source of trained SAR personnel, but in the short term they can meet the need. If you want the best chance of joining the SAR world, I suggest that you speak directly to the Training Staff at one of the main providers, CHC, Bristows or Bond. Ask them what they are looking for and your best course of action, you may not like the answers but at least you will not have to put up with the banter on here.
At the end of the day, even if you were accepted by one of the companies, you would have to make the grade. SAR can be a grim and demanding job that not all people are suited to, it is not just hanging on a wire and dispensing sticking plasters.
Heads down, look out for the flack.