Nontransporting EMS vehicle

A nontransporting EMS vehicle, also known as a squad car, fly-car, response vehicle, quick response service (QRS) vehicle, or fast response vehicle, is a vehicle that responds to and provides emergency medical services (EMS) without the ability to transport patients. For patients whose condition requires transport (e.g. to a hospital), an ambulance is necessary. In some cases they may fulfill other duties when not participating in EMS operations, such as policing or fire suppression. Non-transporting EMS vehicles come in many sizes and types, from bicycles and golf-carts that can access pedestrian walkways; to motorcycles that are able to fit through stopped or slow traffic; to sedans, station wagons, and SUVs that can carry almost as much equipment as an ambulance; to ATVs or UTVs that are capable of off-road rescue; to fire engines and rescue squads that may carry large crews and may carry specialized equipment. Essentially, any vehicle that lacks the ability to transport a patient may be used, depending on the needs of the local EMS system. A non-transporting EMS vehicle can help emergency organizations use their resources more efficiently, assessing an incident's severity (especially where there is reason to suspect the injury or illness is not serious) and either treating the patient at the scene and then releasing them or calling in additional help if required. This saves resources on several levels, as most non-transporting vehicles cost much less than full-size ambulances, and because they may be staffed by a single person (ambulances require a minimum of two crew members). Non-transporting vehicles may be used by ranking EMS officers, who may need to move between calls to complete their supervisory duties, or by more highly or specially trained medical responders (e.g. a paramedic versus an emergency medical technician, or a physician, found commonly in European systems), saving those with higher or specialized training from being ensnared in calls that can be capably handled by emergency responders with a more basic level of training.