Canīt say anything about the price tag on a CPL/IR training course in the UK-but they are right.
HEMS services in most countries require a minimum (!) of 500 military flying hours or 1500 hours "civil" rotary experience.
Although i appreciate everything that is done FOR our "wounded warriors"-donīt forget that being a soldier in combat does not automatically move you up the long waiting list of highly experienced pilots desperately looking for a job...