An air ambulance refers to a helicopter or air plane that is designed to carry sick or injured patients. Air ambulances provide the distinct advantage of being considerably quicker than ground transport, allowing the patient to fly direct, rather than follow roads, as well as avoid possible traffic backups.

Depending on the air ambulance service used, they offer different levels of in-flight medical assistance. Some are very similar to normal ambulances in that they are able to provide basic triage care, as well as help prepare patients for their arrival at a hospital or other medical facility. Generally, helicopters are used for shorter distances, often intra-city, and planes are used for longer distances like across country or internationally.