Star of Life
International symbol for emergency medical services.
The Star of Life is a blue six-pointed star with a white border, containing a Rod of Asclepius, used to identify emergency medical services. It appears on ambulances, medical personnel uniforms, and first aid equipment, and is also found on medical alert bracelets and tags. Elevators marked with the symbol indicate sufficient size for a stretcher.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- United States
- Designer
- American Medical Association
- Year of design
- 1963
Facts from the source article.
History
The Star of Life was created in the United States in 1963 by the American Medical Association as a universal symbol for medical identification. It was offered freely without trademark or copyright, intended for use on cards carried by individuals with medical conditions. The World Medical Association adopted it in 1964 as the universal emergency medical information symbol, and the American Red Cross promoted its rapid worldwide adoption. In 1970, the AMA used the Star of Life to designate nationally certified Emergency Medical Services personnel through the newly formed National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. The NREMT filed for a trademark in 1973 for a version encircling the star, which was granted in 1975 but later expired. A subsequent service mark combining the Star of Life with the words NATIONAL REGISTRY remains active. Before the Star of Life, US ambulances often displayed a safety orange cross on a square background, resembling the Red Cross symbol. In 1973, the American Red Cross objected to this similarity, as the Geneva Conventions restrict use of the red cross. Dr. Dawson Mills of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration obtained permission from the NREMT to use the star as the national identifier for EMS, and it became the national standard in 1977.
Symbolism
The six branches of the star represent six tasks in the emergency chain: detection, reporting, response, on scene care, care in transit, and transfer to definitive care. Detection involves first rescuers observing the scene and identifying dangers. Reporting connects dispatch with victims. Response provides first aid. On scene care is delivered by EMS personnel. Care in transit occurs during transport to a hospital. Transfer to definitive care is specialized hospital treatment.
Global usage
Ambulances in Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore display the Star of Life. In South Korea, it is less common, with ambulances using a green cross and green lights. Egyptian Ministry of Health ambulances show the Star of Life on one rear door and a red crescent on the other. National ambulances in the United Arab Emirates use an EKG graphic instead. In Saudi Arabia, the Red Crescent Society provides service with the red crescent emblem. Israel's Magen David Adom displays a red Jewish star, sometimes paired with the Star of Life, and uses the red crystal in conflict. United Hatzalah combines both stars in its logo. The Palestine Red Crescent Society uses a red crescent, while private operators often display the Star of Life. India's National Ambulance Code requires the Star of Life on the left side and left back window of ambulances, alongside a Battenburg pattern, the word AMBULANCE, and the emergency telephone number.
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