About Us

Changing Lives For Over 65 Years

Founded in 1959, Superior now has over 70 stations throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, making us the largest private ambulance service in the Midwest. Our services include basic life support (BLS), advanced life support (ALS), critical care transport (CCT), aeromedical transportation, and more.

Our History

Our company was founded in 1959 by David and Blanche Hill, offering the first emergency ambulance service in DuPage County, Illinois. For over 65 years, Superior Ambulance has grown to offer many different services within the EMS industry. Here’s a quick look back at pivotal moments throughout our history.

1959
1962
1965
1968
1973
1974
1976
1981
1984
1990
1991
1994
1995
1997
1998
1999
2000
2003
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2014
2017
2018
2019
2020
2025

1959

Superior Ambulance Service was founded by David and Blanche Hill. The company began in a spare bedroom of the family home in Bellwood, Illinois to provide ambulance service throughout the...

1962

As Superior built its early team and moved operations to Elmhurst, Illinois, a physician from the American Red Cross visited annually to teach first aid using the original Red Cross...

1965

As funeral homes grew increasingly frustrated with being called in the middle of the night – since hearses were being used as ambulances – the Sheriff’s Office turned to Superior...

1968

Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service Inc. is established, providing air transportation to any place in the world.

1973

Illinois Medi-Car, Inc. was established as Illinois’ first wheelchair transport company, ensuring appropriate transportation for patients in wheelchairs and creating entry-level job opportunities for future EMTs.

1974

Superior was proud to be one of the first EMS services to employ female EMTs and paramedics.

1976

David B. Hill, Jr. served as a co-founder of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and sat on its Board of Directors, alongside some of the most influential figures...

1981

David B. Hill III became the President of Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., continuing his family’s tradition of setting high standards in the ambulance industry. After serving in many EMS...

1984

Metro Paramedic Services, Inc. was established, providing paramedics, firefighter paramedics, rescue diver paramedics, ambulances, and emergency medical equipment to rural, urban, and suburban municipalities and fire protection districts. An influential...

1990

Superior’s expertise in ambulance billing led to the establishment of Paramedic Billing Services, Inc., providing billing services for municipalities.

1991

Superior established its first community-based station in Evanston, Illinois, beginning its tradition of hiring from the communities it serves.

1994

Superior established NORCOMM Public Safety Communications, Inc. creating Illinois’ first private 9-1-1 call center providing police, fire and emergency medical dispatch for villages, cities and fire districts.

1995

Superior began providing EMS services to Northwestern University, which led to the creation of the Special Events Team supporting community and professional events.

1997

Superior launched its first community-based education class in North Lawndale, Illinois, beginning EMS training within the communities it serves.

1998

Superior began providing EMS services to the Chicago White Sox. This partnership later opened the door to serving the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, Blackhawks, Bears, Chicago Sky, and the Detroit Lions.

1999

Superior established the first Critical Care Transport program in Illinois. The program became the framework for creating legislation throughout Illinois.

2000

Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Indiana, Inc. was established, providing service to Northwest Indiana and 9-1-1 systems. Superior also redefined Critical Care Transport by incorporating Registered Nurses to function as...

2003

Superior established operations in Rockford, Illinois, providing inter-facility transports and dedicated standby ambulances, while supporting the Rockford Fire Department with 9-1-1 mutual aid.

2005

Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Michigan, Inc. established operations in metro Detroit. Superior also responded to Hurricane Katrina, marking the beginning of its FEMA activations.

2006

After operating out of the family home and multiple Elmhurst locations, Superior relocated to its state-of-the-art Corporate Headquarters in Elmhurst, Illinois.

2007

Superior established a helicopter patient transport division, providing aeromedical services based at DuPage County Airport.

2008

Superior began providing EMS services to the Chicago Marathon.

2009

Superior celebrated 50 years in providing care to patients.

2010

Superior’s Air Division expanded with the addition of a second helicopter.

2014

Superior established its first Community Paramedicine Program.

2017

Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Michigan, Inc. achieved accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). Superior opened the Chicago Illinois Medical District Station, bringing over 100 jobs...

2018

Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Wisconsin, Inc. established operations.

2019

Superior Air Ambulance Service, Inc. achieved accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS).

2020

Superior deployed rotting crews to New York City to support EMS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Superior began fixed wing operations with two Learjet 45XRs. Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio,...

2025

Superior held its first Continuing Education Symposium. Superior surpassed 3,800 employees and continued to exceed industry standards. Superior earned Commission on Accreditation of Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) accreditation, strengthening its...

Start Here. Go Anywhere.

This is just the beginning. When you join Superior, you start a journey that can take you up the ranks of our organization and down many paths in the healthcare industry. With continuing education and advancement opportunities, Superior helps you grow your career and explore opportunities across the healthcare industry.

Becoming a Superior employee opens doors to careers like:

  • paramedic
  • critical care paramedic
  • critical care nurse
  • instructor
  • flight medic
  • and more

SUPERIOR LSTI: EDUCATING & TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF EMS

Superior Life Support Training Institute (LSTI) equips healthcare providers with the skills to succeed in any conditions. With state-of-the-art technology, experienced instructors, and the latest accredited programs, we open doors to healthcare career opportunities.

Superior LSTI was established in 1986 to meet rising demand for well-trained emergency medical service professionals. Today, we offer a variety of courses, including free paramedic training and programs, EMS training and certifications, AHA programs, community classes for adults, special community awareness programs, and more.


As part of our mission to make education and training accessible to all, LSTI is proud to offer the S.T.A.R. Program. This program provides eligible employees with financial assistance to further their education while continuing their active employment. By making education affordable and attainable, S.T.A.R. opens new career paths while ensuring that we continue to meet our communities’ needs.

OUR IMPACT: MEETING CRITICAL DEMAND FOR EMS

By educating talent and opening opportunities along the healthcare continuum, we build the critical EMS workforce that communities across the Midwest depend on every day.

Our Companies