08/10/2026
The "Star of Life" is a blue, six-pointed star, outlined in white, featuring the Rod of Asclepius in the center. It serves as the universal symbol for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), identifying ambulances, equipment, and personnel.
History and Origin
• Initial Design (1963): The symbol was originally designed by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1963 as a "Universal Medical Identification Symbol" for individuals with medical conditions.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) designed the modern blue, six-pointed Star of Life to address this, trademarking it on February 1, 1977.
• Creator: The modification and adoption of the symbol are credited to Leo R. Schwartz, the Chief of the EMS Branch at NHTSA.
Meaning and Symbolism
• The 6 Points: The six branches of the star represent the six main tasks of the Emergency Medical Services system - Detection, Response, On-Scene Care, Care in Transit, & Transfer to Definitive Care.
• The Rod of Asclepius: The center features a serpent coiled around a staff. This is an ancient Greek symbol associated with Asclepius, the deity of healing and medicine. The staff represents medicine and healing, while the serpent represents renewal.
