Photo by: Nacka Fire Dept./Seth Olofsson, Nordic Rotors
This method is performed by the HEMS unit in Stockholm, Sweden, as well. Above is an image from a training sortie in the late-90s. To this date, the manoeuvre is used for critical life-saving rescues, where no SAR helos or other adequate ground units are nearby. The method is mainly used to pick up people that have broken through thin ice, and its not that common.
There are some more images available at
this link.