Ok, thanks for the responses. IFR enroute, then VFR (in VMC with NVG or Nightsun) onto LP, is what I would have expected.
I did read in Flight Safety Australia magazine (a few years ago now) about an EMS helicopter (BK I believe) going inadvertent IMC while only VFR equipped and manned. It made a safe landing however. I believe it was in QLD. Of course this is only by my memory of the article and I may have some of the facts wrong.
From what I have read wrt accidents in the USA, VFR EMS operations with VFR only aircraft may be permitted and there may not be any additional provision for NVFR (ie LSALT). I have not flown in the states so have no first hand knowledge, but their accident rate tends to indicate that there may be some difference in regulation. Does anyone here know?