THE STAR OF LIFE

History

The Star of Life is a blue, six-pointed star, outlined with a white border which features the Rod of Asclepius in the center, originally designed and governed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Traditionally in the United States  the logo was

used as a stamp of authentication or certification for ambulances, paramedics

or other EMS personnel. Internationally, it represents emergency medical

services (EMS) units and personnel. Originally, many ambulances used an orange

cross on a square background of reflectorized white to

designate them as emergency units. This logo was used

      before national standards for Emergency Medical Personnel or ambulances

                             were established. Designed by Leo R. Schwartz, Chief of the EMS Branch,

          National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the Star of Life was created

                         after the American National Red Cross complained in 1973 that the orange cross too closely resembled their logo, the red cross on a white background.

The logo was 'given' to the National Registry of Emergency Medical

Technicians (NREMT) for use as the emergency medical technicians (EMT)

logo after the patent expired in 1997.

The Snake Emblem

The snake emblem is the Rod of Asclepius, widely used as the symbol of medic

al care. The rod of Asclepius symbolizes the healing arts by combining the serpent,

which in shedding its skin is a symbol of rebirth and fertility, with the staff, a

symbol of authority befitting the god of Medicine. The snake

wrapped around the staff is widely claimed to be a species

of rat snake, also known as the Asclepian snake. It is native

to southeastern Europe, apparently brought there by Romans

for their healing properties.

Asclepius, was hailed as a demigod of medicine and healing in

ancient Greek mythology, and  was so skilled in the medical

arts that he was reputed to have brought patients back from

                            the dead.

Symbolism

The six branches of the star are symbols of the six main tasks executed by emergency rescuers all through the emergency chain:

Detection – The first rescuers on the scene, usually untrained civilians or those involved in the incident, observe the scene, understand the problem, identify the dangers to themselves and the others, and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety on the scene

Reporting – The call for professional help is made and dispatch is connected with the victims, providing emergency medical dispatch.

Response – The first rescuers provide first aid and immediate care to the extent of their capabilities.

On scene care – The EMS personnel arrive and provide immediate care to the extent of their capabilities on-scene.

Care in Transit – The EMS personnel proceed to transfer the patient to a hospital via an ambulance or helicopter for specialized care. They provide medical care during the transportation.

Transfer to Definitive care – Appropriate specialized care is provided at the hospital.