How to Arrange Ground Transport After an Air Ambulance Flight

If your family member is arriving by air ambulance at a Chicago-area airport, you need ground transport that matches their medical condition and connects directly with the flight crew's handoff. Dream Care Rides coordinates stretcher ambulettes, wheelchair vans, and ambulatory vehicles staged at the airport before the aircraft lands. Call (708) 505-6994 to arrange a ground transfer now, or read this guide to understand how the process works.

What Happens When the Air Ambulance Lands

When an air ambulance arrives at Chicago Midway, O'Hare, or a regional airport like Chicago Executive or DuPage Airport, the patient is transferred from the aircraft to a ground vehicle. The air medical crew does not transport the patient beyond the airport. The ground transport provider takes over from the tarmac or FBO terminal and delivers the patient to the receiving hospital, rehabilitation facility, or home.

This handoff is time-sensitive. The patient may be on a stretcher with oxygen, connected to an IV, or in a wheelchair that requires a hydraulic lift to load. The ground vehicle must be staged and ready before the plane lands. Delays at this stage affect the entire care chain.

Dream Care Rides coordinates directly with air ambulance flight crews and medical repatriation companies to eliminate gaps in this handoff. Our vehicles arrive at the airport 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled landing time. Learn more about our air ambulance ground transport coordination program.

Types of Ground Transport Available After Air Ambulance Flights

The vehicle you need depends entirely on the patient's medical condition:

Stretcher Ambulette

For patients who must remain lying down during the ground transfer. The ambulette has a hydraulic-lift gurney, space for ventilators and IV equipment, and a two-person crew trained in patient transfer. This is the most common vehicle type for air ambulance arrivals. In Illinois, stretcher transportation costs $350–$400 as a base fare plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles.

Wheelchair Van

For patients who can sit upright but cannot transfer to a standard car seat. ADA-compliant vans with hydraulic lifts and four-point securement systems. Appropriate for patients who traveled by air ambulance due to distance rather than acute medical severity. Wheelchair transportation in Chicago costs $60–$70 base plus $3.50 per mile after the first 3 miles.

Ambulatory Sedan or SUV

For patients who can walk with minimal assistance. The driver provides door-through-door service from the aircraft or FBO terminal to the final destination. Ambulatory transport costs $50–$60 base plus $3.00 per mile after the first 3 miles.

How to Book Ground Transport Before the Flight Arrives

The sooner you book, the better. Here is the process:

1. Call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 — tell our dispatcher this is for an air ambulance arrival. We handle these transfers differently from standard NEMT bookings.
2. Provide the flight details — aircraft tail number or flight identifier, estimated landing time, landing airport, and the name of the air ambulance company.
3. Describe the patient's condition — stretcher, wheelchair, or ambulatory. Any medical equipment that needs to travel with the patient (oxygen, IV pump, ventilator).
4. Confirm the destination — hospital name and department, rehab facility, or home address.
5. Receive confirmation — we confirm the vehicle type, driver assignment, staging time, and upfront price. No surprises on arrival.

For stretcher transfers, we recommend booking at least 4 hours before the flight lands. For wheelchair and ambulatory transfers, 2 hours is typically sufficient. Same-day bookings are accepted when vehicles are available.

What to Tell the Ground Transport Provider

When you call to arrange ground transport for an air ambulance patient, have this information ready:

• Patient name and date of birth
• Air ambulance company name and contact number for the flight coordinator
• Estimated landing time and airport
• Patient mobility level: stretcher, wheelchair, or ambulatory
• Medical equipment traveling with the patient
• Destination facility name and address (including department or unit if applicable)
• Who is paying: the air ambulance company, insurance, or family private pay
• Contact number for the family member or case manager receiving updates

This information allows the ground transport provider to assign the right vehicle, position it at the correct airport location, and coordinate timing with the flight crew.

Cost of Ground Transport After Air Ambulance Flights in Illinois

Weekend transfers add $50 per leg. Major holidays add a fee shown before you book. Wait time beyond the included window costs $15 to $30 per 15-minute increment. Supplemental oxygen adds $25 per trip.

Use our NEMT cost calculator to estimate the total cost for your specific route. Or view the complete Dream Care Rides rate card for all service levels.

Many air ambulance companies include ground transport in their patient billing. Ask your air ambulance provider whether the ground transfer is covered. If you are paying privately, Dream Care Rides provides an upfront quote before dispatching the vehicle. If your family member is being discharged from a hospital after the air ambulance transfer, read our hospital discharge transportation guide for additional planning steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I arrange ground transport if I am not the patient?

Yes. Family members, case managers, hospital discharge coordinators, and air ambulance flight coordinators can all book ground transport on behalf of the patient. Call (708) 505-6994 with the patient's information and destination.

What if the air ambulance flight is delayed?

Dream Care Rides monitors flight status and adjusts vehicle staging time automatically. There is no penalty for flight-related delays. We hold the vehicle at the airport until the patient is ready for transfer.

Which airports do you serve in the Chicago area?

We serve Chicago Midway (MDW), O'Hare International (ORD), Chicago Executive (PWK), DuPage Airport (DPA), Gary/Chicago International (GYY), and Lewis University Airport (LOT). We also serve private FBOs and hospital helipads.

How long does the ground transfer take from Midway to a South Suburban hospital?

From Chicago Midway to hospitals in the South Suburbs (Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, Advocate South Suburban Hospital Hazel Crest, Ingalls Memorial Hospital Harvey), the drive is typically 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Do your drivers have medical training?

All Dream Care Rides drivers hold current CPR and First Aid certification. Stretcher crews are trained in patient transfer, medical equipment handling, and wheelchair securement using Q-Straint systems. We do not provide clinical care during transport — patients requiring active medical monitoring should use a BLS or ALS ambulance.

Can I ride along with the patient in the ground vehicle?

Yes. One accompanying family member or medical escort can ride in the ground vehicle at no additional charge. Let our dispatcher know when you book so we assign a vehicle with appropriate seating.

Need ground transport for an incoming air ambulance patient? Book online or call (708) 505-6994 for immediate coordination.