Knowledge on the star of life

SYMBOLISM

The six branches of the star symbolize the six main tasks executed by emergency medical services rescuers all through the emergency chain:

1. Detection -- The first rescuers on the scene, usually civilians or those involved in the incident, observe the scene, understand the problem, identify the dangers to themselves and the others, and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety on the scene (environmental, electricity, chemicals, radiation, etc.).

2. Reporting -- The call for professional help is made and dispatch is connected with the victims, providing emergency medical dispatch.

3. Response -- The first rescuers provide first aid and immediate care to the extent of their capabilities.

4. On-scene care -- EMS practitioners arrive and provide immediate care to the extent of their capabilities on-scene.

5. Care in transit -- The EMS practitioners proceed to transfer the patient to a hospital via ambulance or helicopter for specialized care, and provide medical care during transportation.

6. Transfer to definitive care --Appropriate specialized care is provided at the hospital.

Today, the star of life is traditionally used to identify EMS personnel, equipment and vehicles. Many ambulance services mark the symbol on their vehicles, and EMS practitioners wear it as part of their uniform. It appears on various medical textbooks and merchandise for the EMS market. In hospitals and other buildings, elevators that are marked with the symbol indicate that the elevator is large enough to hold a stretcher. Its use on emergency medical vehicles certifi es that such vehicles meet the . Department of Transportation standards and certify that the emergency medical care practitioners who use them have been trained to meet these standards. Its use on road maps and highway signs indicates the location or access to qualified emergency care services.

States and federal agencies that are involved in emergency medical services are authorized to permit use of the star of life as such:

1.) As a means of identification for medical equipment and supplies for installation and use in the emergency medical care vehicle -- the ambulance.

2.) To point to the location of qualifi ed medical care services and access to such facilities.

3.) On shoulder patches worn only by personnel who have satisfactorily completed DOT training courses or approved equivalents, and for persons who by title and function administer, directly supervise, or participate in all or part of national, state or community EMS programs.

4.) On EMS personnel items such as badges, plaques, hats, shirts, buckles or other items.

5.) On books, brochures, flyers, manuals, reports or other printed material having direct EMS application.

6.) By EMS administrative personnel, project directors and staff, councils and advisory groups. If shoulder patches are worn, they should show the plain blue star of life on a white square or round background. The function, identifying letters or words should be printed on bars and attached across the bottom separately. The edges of the basic patch and functional bars are to be embroidered.

Now you know the history and symbolism behind the star of life. Wear it proudly...because EMS matters.