Star of Life Symbol - Meaning and Use in Emergency Medical Services #95672 (License: Personal Use)

The Star of Life is the internationally recognized symbol of emergency medical services (EMS), adopted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 1973. It features a blue six-pointed star overlaid on a red Maltese cross, with a white caduceus (a staff entwined by two serpents and topped with wings) at its center-though historically, the rod of Asclepius (single serpent) is medically accurate. The six points represent the six stages of EMS response: detection, reporting, response, on-scene care, care in transit, and transfer to definitive care.

This image is commonly used on ambulances, EMS uniforms, training materials, official websites, and public health campaigns to signify emergency medical care. It matches user intent for educational, professional, or regulatory content about EMS symbols, first responder identification, or healthcare iconography.