With the America’s Cup on the horizon, Bermudian Gilbert “Artie” Darrell has set his sights on bringing high quality, event-focused emergency rescue and medical services to the Island.

The former New York State paramedic and firefighter has an extensive background in rescue and emergency medical procedures.

Mr Darrell is the grandson of former Island politician Gilbert O Darrell. He has returned to Bermuda to set up a company capable of providing high-quality, on-the-spot rescue and medical services at public events, particularly those on water.

The announcement that Bermuda is hosting the 2017 America’s Cup played a part in his decision to pursue the opportunity, however he believes such a service could also be a valuable enhancement for other large events, such as this month’s Bermuda Heroes Weekend activities.

And he said it would provide a boost to the Island, using a combination of US and Bermuda medical specialists to provide a service in line with what is available at events in the US.

“It’s good for the Island. There would be training for the local providers and I know it would provide jobs,” said Mr Darrell.

He is president of Darrell International, which offers services including homeland defence and security, information technology and security solutions and medical consulting, staffing and training.

The company has a team with expertise in the relevant fields.

With Mobile Rescue Services, Mr Darrell has joined forces with a local diving team to provide emergency medical services and advanced life support services to water-users. Its services range from first responders to EMT-B and paramedical services.

While Bermuda has medical professionals and emergency services ready to respond to incidents, Mr Darrell believes there is a gap when it come to events on the water, particularly racing events that carry a degree of risk.

He is hopeful that the America’s Cup Event Authority, or the individual racing teams, will recognise the benefits of contracting the services of a dedicated rapid-response rescue and medical team trained to deal with emergencies, such as the capsizing of a fast-moving boat.

While the Island has doctors and nurses, Mr Darrell said they lack the “rescue component”, pointing out that in a dynamic rescue situation where every second counts, it is preferable to have physically strong fire rescue-type personnel who also possess advance paramedic or EMT (emergency medial technician) credentials.

Mr Darrell, 32, has been a New York State paramedic, firefighter, EMT, urban search and rescue team member, high-angle rope rescue instructor and fire service training officer. He is in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree in premedical studies and emergency management at the American Military University.

He grew up primarily in New York, but spends most of his summers in Bermuda. For the past five years, during his summer trips to the Island, he has volunteered at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. He also recently linked up with the St John Ambulance Bermuda to share his EMT training and skills.

At the same time he is looking out for suitable Bermuda candidates who could partner up with US-trained paramedics and rescuers through Mobile Rescue Services.

“We want to make sure that our people are the best,” he said.

Mr Darrell has taken his service proposals to Oracle and Artemis, the two America’s Cup already based on the Island. He plans to speak to the other teams as they increase their presence in Bermuda.

He acknowledges such a service does not come cheap, as it involves highly trained personnel, skilled medical direction, insurance and specialised equipment. But he is hopeful the Cup teams will see it as valuable and desirable.

“This is a good chance to provide a high quality service. We are ready to go once we have a team, and we would love to do business with Oracle or Artemis,” he said.