556. You abandoned ship in the North Atlantic and one of the crew members is hypothermic. During a SAR helicopter extraction which lifting device should be avoided when hoisting this patient to the aircraft?

A hypothermic patient requires a horizontal and supported position during hoisting to prevent blood pressure drops and cardiac disturbances. The rescue sling offers minimal support and a near-vertical posture, making it unsuitable for hypothermic patients; therefore, it should be avoided.