Welcome To UCAN

University of Chicago Aeromedical Network (UCAN), the air medical service of University of Chicago Medical Center, provides helicopter transport of critically ill or injured neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients from the scene of an emergency or during interhospital transfer to the University of Chicago Medical Center or between other hospitals. UCAN is staffed by a dedicated team of specially trained flight nurses, flight physicians, EMS pilots, and communication specialists–ready to respond to your transport needs 24 hours a day.

Always Ready

Our emergency helicopters fly within a 200-mile radius of Chicago, connecting community hospitals with the many tertiary care facilities and medical resources of this region. For greater distances, UCAN arranges medically staffed and equipped air transport by airplane. The twin-engine Dauphin 2 helicopter flies at speeds up to 180 miles per hour and is capable of transporting two patients and a medical crew of three. Each year, we transport more than1,000 cases.

Whenever, Wherever Needed

Often asked to land at the scene of a crisis, whether that be on a highway, a football field, or a public park, the UCAN helicopters can respond within minutes. Though many flights come from a 911 emergency telephone call, doctors, ER staff, clinics, and other medical workers can call our hotline directly to dispatch a flight. Those without medical training, however, should call 911, as UCAN is not always the best solution to an emergency situation.

Our mission at UCAN is to serve the medical community; EMS and patients who need specialized care and rapid transport with superior health care, which is given in a safe, compassionate, and professional manner.

UCAN crewmembers receive medical support under the direction of the UCAN Medical Director, Medical Control from Emergency Medicine Attendings, and established protocols. Each team member serves as an extension of the University of Chicago Hospitals.