Leigh,
Keep in mind that most of the preferred methods for technical rescues are top-down repels/access as opposed to bottom-up belayed/lead climbing. Yes, there are situations, such as tower rescues, where bottom-up belayed/lead climbing is required, but whenever possible we (at least our team) prefer top-down rescues. It allows for the use of low-stretch ropes, team based rescues, separate belay and main lines and minimizes shock loading rescue systems.
Rescue harnesses are designed for longer hang times, then a conventional lead climb harness. Class 3 harnesses are now the NFPA standard, with all loops, clips, rings, etc. are rated for general use or a particular rescue application.
As to “pilot error proof”, if that is the polite way of saying is it idiot proof

, well no. Most Firefighters will tell you if there is way to break, override or defeat a safety feature; some Firefighter somewhere will break, override or defeat the system. Despite color-coding, numbering/lettering, etc., I have seen equipment/gear used in some of the most interesting ways

.
Pete