Star of Life

Star of Life is a symbol that has become synonymous with emergency medical services (EMS) worldwide. It features a six-branched star, with each branch representing a different aspect of the EMS system. At the center of the star is the Rod of Asclepius, an ancient symbol associated with healing and medicine. The Star of Life was created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States and is now universally recognized as a symbol of medical care and emergency medical assistance.

History[edit | edit source]

The Star of Life was designed by Leo R. Schwartz, Chief of the EMS Branch, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 1973. The symbol was created to replace the American Red Cross symbol on emergency vehicles and facilities to avoid confusion with the Red Cross symbol's specific legal protections and to provide a unique identifier for medical services. The design was based on the Medical Identification Symbol, a blue six-pointed star with the Rod of Asclepius in the center, which was itself based on the Star of Life.

Symbolism[edit | edit source]

Each of the six branches of the star represents a different aspect of the EMS system:

Detection: The first responders on the scene, who identify the emergency and initiate medical care.
Reporting: The call to emergency services and the information provided.
Response: The dispatch and timely arrival of emergency services to the scene.
On-scene Care: The emergency medical care provided at the scene.
Care in Transit: The care provided to the patient in the ambulance or emergency vehicle en route to the hospital.
Transfer to Definitive Care: The handover of the patient to the hospital or other facility for specialized care.

The Rod of Asclepius in the center of the star symbolizes the medical nature of the services provided. The snake and staff in this ancient symbol are associated with Asclepius, the Greek god of healing and medicine.

Usage[edit | edit source]

The Star of Life is used on ambulances, emergency medical equipment, and uniforms of personnel involved in emergency medical services. It serves as an easily recognizable symbol for medical assistance and is used to mark facilities and vehicles that are equipped to provide emergency care. In addition to its use in the United States, the symbol has been adopted internationally and is recognized globally as a sign of emergency medical services.

Legal Status[edit | edit source]

In some countries, the use of the Star of Life is regulated by law or government policy to ensure that it is used appropriately and only by authorized emergency medical service providers. This regulation helps maintain the symbol's integrity and ensures public trust in the services marked by the Star of Life.