Star of Life

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia


The Star of Life is a symbol used to identify emergency medical services (EMS) and personnel. It is recognized internationally and is often seen on ambulances, medical equipment, and uniforms. The symbol consists of a blue six-pointed star with a white border, featuring the Rod of Asclepius in the center.

History

The Star of Life was designed by Leo R. Schwartz, Chief of the EMS Branch, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States. It was created in 1973 to replace the Red Cross symbol, which was restricted to use by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Design and Symbolism

Star of Life symbol

The six points of the star represent the six stages of pre-hospital care:

  1. Detection
  2. Reporting
  3. Response
  4. On-scene care
  5. Care in transit
  6. Transfer to definitive care

The Rod of Asclepius, a symbol associated with healing and medicine, is prominently featured in the center of the star. This rod, entwined by a serpent, is a traditional symbol of medicine and healthcare.

Usage

The Star of Life is used worldwide to denote emergency medical services. It is commonly found on:

An ambulance displaying the Star of Life

Variations and Adaptations

In some countries, the Star of Life is adapted to fit local needs and regulations. For example, in Israel, the symbol is used by United Hatzalah, a volunteer EMS organization.

A United Hatzalah ambucycle with the Star of Life

Related Symbols

The Star of Life is often compared to other medical symbols such as the Caduceus, which is sometimes mistakenly used in place of the Rod of Asclepius. Another related symbol is the Maltese cross, used by many fire departments and rescue services.

Maltese cross

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD