The Star of Life is a blue, six-pointed star, outlined with a white border which features the Rod of Asclepius in the center. The Star of Life is a certification mark that was issued on February 1, 1977. The logo is used as a stamp of authentication or certification for ambulances, paramedics or other EMS personnel.
For EMS, the six bars represent the six systems functions:
- Detection
- Reporting
- Response
- On scene care
- Care in Transit
- Transfer to Definitive care
The certification mark is to be used on emergency medical care vehicles to certify that they meet Federal standards; by emergency medical care personnel to certify, based on their training and affiliation with qualified emergency medical care system, that they are authorized to provide emergency medical care.