Raising The Standard For Emergency Care
Critical care transport services serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, proudly providing comprehensive emergency medical services since 2013.
Why We Exist And What Drives Us Forward
Northwest Rescue was founded in Harvard, Illinois with a simple but critical mission: improve access to healthcare in underserved rural and suburban communities.
As hospitals expanded and patient needs grew more complex, many communities lacked timely access to advanced medical transport. Northwest Rescue was created to bridge that gap, providing dependable emergency response, interfacility transport, and critical care services when they were needed most.
Over the past decade, Northwest Rescue has grown from a single operation into a multi-regional EMS provider supporting hospitals, fire departments, and communities across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
The Beginning In Harvard, Illinois
Ryan Kurth founded Northwest Rescue to fill a critical gap in rural healthcare. What started as a local answer to a local problem has become something larger.
Reaching Across Northern Illinois And Southern Wisconsin
The organization expanded its reach beyond Harvard, establishing operations across two states. Growth came naturally as more communities recognized the value of dedicated critical care transport.
Expanded Specialized Transport Capabilities
Critical care and pediatric and neonatal transport were expanded throughout the region. These specialized services opened new possibilities for patients requiring the most advanced care.
Expanded 911 Program
Grew our 911 program to reach additional communities, enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring faster, more reliable care for those in need.
Innovating Access Through Strategic Partnerships
Today, Northwest Rescue continues evolving its mission through new partnerships and expanded capabilities. The work of rural healthcare access remains the same, but the reach grows wider.
Established Through a Dedication to Rural Healthcare
Northwest Rescue emerged from a simple truth: rural communities deserve the same access to critical care as anywhere else. Since 2013, we've remained focused on that mission while expanding our reach across two states. Our growth reflects the needs of the people we serve.
Year we started
Years of service
State Provider Licenses
Our Service Area
Northwest Rescue operates throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, partnering with local hospitals, nursing facilities, and fire departments to provide emergency and non-emergency medical transport.
Built to Serve When It Matters Most
Northwest Rescue was built by providers who understand the realities of emergency medicine and designed around the needs of patients, hospitals, and fire departments. Every decision we make, from staffing and training to technology and equipment, is guided by one priority: delivering dependable, high-quality care when it matters most.
Leadership Team
Ryan Kurth brings over 15 years of public safety experience to Northwest Rescue. A former firefighter with the Harvard Fire Protection District, he founded Northwest Rescue to improve access to emergency medical transport for his rural community. As CEO, he prioritizes advanced, pediatric, and neonatal transport services and serves on the Region 9 Trauma Advisory Board. He has also served as an Illinois law enforcement officer, reflecting a lifelong commitment to public safety.
Justen is the Chief Marketing Officer at Northwest Rescue, leading business development, branding, and community outreach. His background spans healthcare expansion, community development, and brand leadership, including roles as a Clinical and Community Liaison and with Anytime Fitness. His work has been featured in multiple publications and campaigns, and he is most motivated by the lasting impact made in the communities he serves.
See How We Deliver
Care In The Field
Our fleet is purpose-built for modern emergency medicine. Equipped with advanced technology and staffed by highly trained professionals. Explore the ambulances, equipment, and capabilities that power Northwest Rescue every day.