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The "Star of Life" |
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The Star of Life
was designed by Leo R. Schwartz, when he was Chief of the EMS Branch, National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). At the time, the newly designed,
six barred cross, was adapted from the Medical Identification Symbol of the
American Medical Association and was registered as a certification mark on
February 1, 1977 with the Commissioner of Patents and Trade-marks in the name of
the National Highway Traffic Safety and Administration. The trademark will
remain in effect for twenty years from this date. The staff on the star
represents Medicine and Healing.
Each of the six
"points" of the star represents an aspect of the EMS System. They are:
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Detection
- Through education and awareness, the public recognizes there is a medical
emergency. EMS (Emergency Medical Services) personnel along with other
emergency services personnel work with the public to heighten awareness and
provide education.
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Reporting - When the public recognizes that there is a situation, a
mean must to report the incident to someone. We know this as 911.
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Response - Emergency Medical Services travels safely to the situation
or incident location.
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On Scene Care - Emergency Medical Services personnel provide the
appropriate medical attention to the individuals involved.
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Care in Transit - The appropriate care must continue during transport
of the patient. This care is designed to stabilize the patient and reduce
and/or comfort the progression of the injury/illness.
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Transfer to Definitive Care - Transfer the victim of illness/injury to
a higher level.
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