This thread has reminded me of a past operation in which the Huey was in a hover, about ready to lower the cable, when suddenly there was a reed light in the cockpit, and the pilot informed us over the outside speaker that he was returning to rebel base with a malfunction.

A Highway Patrol bird without a winch substituted and we had to carry the victim about one half mile to a spot where he was able to land.

Even with thee occasional glitch, helos are a godsend for victims distant from medical care, where transport speed can be critical.