Superior Air Ambulance Service

Superior Air Med is the air medical service of Superior Ambulance, a company based in Elmhurst, Illinois. Superior is mainly known for ground ambulances. The air team flies critically ill and injured patients, mostly by helicopter.

Services

The helicopters do scene calls and transfers to higher levels of care. The site lists trauma, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, transplant and pediatric critical care work. Crews include flight paramedics, flight nurses and helicopter pilots. The site says patients can also be moved by plane for longer trips, and gives a separate phone line for that.

Aircraft and bases

Superior Air Med owns three Eurocopter EC135 P2+ twin engine helicopters. They are based at DuPage Airport in West Chicago, Illinois. Metro Aviation Inc. operates the helicopters. The site does not list the airplanes used for plane transport.

Coverage area

The helicopters serve Illinois and northwest Indiana. The site says they can reach places within 50 miles in 30 minutes. Typical flights are within 100 miles, and longer ones up to 250 miles are possible.

Facts

• Parent: Superior Ambulance, founded in 1959 by David and Blanche Hill
• Accredited by CAMTS, as stated on its services page
• Flight desk: ask for it on 800-832-2000
• Plane transport line: 888-497-0746

Public safety and training

Police and fire crews have a dedicated number to request a helicopter to a scene. The site says the helicopter can launch early when placed on standby, and that a cancelled standby has no cost. It also gives landing zone rules and training for public safety staff.