A hoist operator wouldn't need to be paramedic qualified only technician standard - it is the winchman who needs to be a paramedic.
I am not sure the the present Irish service does require the same level of medical qualifications as the UK does, worth checking.
Nathan, the big problem is the amount of training you will need - that costs money and if the employer can recruit someone with the required skill set already in place, it makes filling the post quicker and cheaper.
However, if you don't ask you don't get so it is always worth applying.