Bermuda’s branch of the St John Ambulance Brigade is back on a firm footing after years of financial struggles, the charity has said.

Justin Williams, St John commander and chairman of the medical charity, added that recruitment had been “on the up” in 2017.

He credited the turnaround to a more focused donations strategy, helped by the group’s services during the America’s Cup.

Mr Williams said: “As a result of the dedicated service of the commissioner, deputy, officers and members and the board of directors, who have worked diligently throughout the last year, the brigade has flourished.

“Recruitment and training has developed significantly with 43 new members in healthcare provider CPR and first aid over the last year with more classes scheduled each month.”

The brigade provides an emergency medical service at public events — but flagging revenues had put the group $30,000 in debt, it announced in December 2013.

Mr Williams said that “generous donations from community icons such as the Marsh Group of Companies and Validus” had enabled the brigade to update its gear, purchase new ambulance equipment and become fully uniformed.

St John ensures that ambulance services are available throughout the island, with ambulances on loan to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and stationed at either end of the Island.

Mr Williams added: “St John was chosen to provide medical coverage for the Louis Vuitton Americas Cup event May-June 2017, providing an average of 13 medically trained members daily between the AC village on Cross Island and the AC clinic with ambulances stationed, foot patrols and a clinic manned by doctors and nurses in the AC village.

St John provided 56 personnel over the entire event, totalling 3,457 man hours, while its medical teams dealt with a total of 296 patients.

“St John is run entirely by volunteers and welcomes new recruits and those looking to achieve and develop first aid training,” Mr Williams said.