The "Star of Life"
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:
1. 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.
2. Reporting - When the public recognizes that there is a situation, a mean must to report the incident to someone. We know this as 911.
3. Response - Emergency Medical Services travels safely to the situation or incident location.
4. On Scene Care - Emergency Medical Services personell provide the appropriate medical attention to the individuals involved.
5. 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.
6. Transfer to Definitive Care - Transfer the victim of illness/injury to a higher level.
