"...On arrival the crew noted that some trees had been cleared to create a larger winching area and that the patient had been moved to this area..."
John, do you happen to know who the ground party consisted of at the time of the winch operation? Also, do you know how they moved the casualty and the distance he was moved. I have worked with the SES previously and if they have "cleared" some trees to create a larger winching area it would suggest they were well equipped.