You will appreciate that crew member responsibilities and career structures vary across SAR helo providers. CivSAR crew are not on a three year tour and some roles are narrower than in the military. I think we have to factor this into any assessment of the training time. Initially of course there will be a large training load and the three month lead in will go a long way go address this.
I remain concerned about rear crew status in the regulatory framework and possible effects on training. SAR is not BIG HEMS. It is principally about access, often in extraordinary circumstances. In a SAR helo this means that the principal skill set for all crew is airmanship, with the boy scout first aid badge or BSc Med Sci coming second. It may be time for the CAA to get over reorganising and create a bold and practical new approach to this.