Star of Life
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The Star of Life is a blue, six-pointed star with the Rod of Asclepius in the center, originally designed and governed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) (under the United States Department of Transportation, DOT). Internationally, it represents emergency medical services (EMS) units and personnel. A similar orange star is used for search and rescue personnel.
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[edit] History
The Star of Life was patented by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1967. The logo was 'given' to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for use as the emergency medical technicians (EMS) logo. Originally, Dawson Mills of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) had asked the American Red Cross for permission to use the red cross as the logo for EMS ambulances, but was denied. Mills then asked "Deke" Farrington of the AMA for permission to use the Star of Life, and was approved. The six points of the star were named by Leo Schwartz. The Star of Life was registered as a certification mark on February 1, 1977.
[edit] Symbolism
The six branches of the star are symbols of the six main tasks executed by rescuers all through the emergency chain:
- The first rescuers on the scene observe the scene, understand the problem, identify the dangers to themselves and the patient(s), and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety on the scene (circulation, electricity, chemicals, radiations, etc.).
- The first rescuers call for professional help.
- The first rescuers provide first aid and immediate care to the extent of their capabilities.
- The EMS personnel arrive and provide immediate care to the extent of their capabilities.
- The EMS personnel proceed to transfer the patient to a hospital for specialized care. They provide medical care during the transportation.
- Appropriate specialized care is provided at the hospital.
More commonly, the 6 EMS aspects are represented as such:
- Detection.
- Reporting.
- Response.
- On scene care.
- Care in transit.
- Transfer to definitive care.
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