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 Emergency Medical Care Symbol
The Blue "Star of Life"
We see the "Star of Life" constantly, whether it is on ambulances or uniforms. How many realize what this symbol represents?
Emergency Medical Technicians use this symbol, encouraged by both the American Medical Association and the Advisory Council within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. It applies to all emergency medical goods and services, which are funded under the DOT/EMS program.
The "Star of Life" was designed by Leo R. Schwartz, Chief of the EMS Branch, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and was created after the American National Red Cross complained that the symbol in use imitated the Red Cross symbol. The new design was registered on February 1, 1977.
Each of the six points of the star represent the six-system function of the EMS (Detection, Reporting, Response, On Scene Care, Care in Transit and Transfer to Definitive Care). The snake and staff in the center of the symbol portray the staff Asclepius who, according to Greek mythology, possessed the art of healing. Asclepius was usually shown in a standing position, holding a staff with a serpent coiled around it.
NHTSA has exclusive rights to monitor the use of the "Star of Life" symbol. Its use on emergency medical vehicles certifies that such vehicles meet the U>S> Department of Transportation standards and certify that the emergency medical care personnel who use it have been trained to meet these standards. Its use on road maps and highway signs indicates the location or access to qualified emergency care services. No other use of the symbol is allowed, except as listed below:
States and Federal agencies which have emergency medical services involvement are authorized to permit use of the "Star of Life" symbol summarized as follows:
- As a means of identification for medical equipment and supplies for installation and use in the Emergency Medical Care Vehicle-Ambulance.
- To point to the location of qualified medical care services and access to such facilities.
- For use on shoulder patches worn only by personnel who have satisfactorily completed DOT training courses or approved equivalents, and for persons who by title and function administer, directly supervise, or participate in all or part of National, State, or community EMS programs.
- On EMS personnel items – badges, plaques, buckles, etc.
- Books, pamphlets, manuals, reports or other printed material having direct EMS application.
- The "Star of Life" symbol may be worn by administrative personnel, project directors and staff, councils and advisory groups.
Information from the Rescue-EMS Magazine
July-August 1992
Printed in January 1999 Lost & Found Newsletter
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