Star of Life

Just as physicians have the caduceus, and pharmacists have the mortar and pestle, Emergency Medical Technicians have the “Star of life”, a symbol whose use is encouraged by both the American Medical Association and the Advisory Council within the Department of Health and Human Services.

The symbol’s six-barred cross represents the six-system function of the EMS (see illustration). The staff in the center of the symbol represents medicine and healing. According to Greek mythology, the staff belonged to Asclepius, the son of Apollo (god of light, truth, and prophecy). Asclepius supposedly learned the art of healing from the Centaur Cheiron. But he elicited the wrath of the god Zeus when he started resurrecting people from the dead. Fearful that Asclepius’ knowledge might render mankind immortal; Zeus slew Asclepius with a thunderbolt. Eventually Zeus restored Asclepius to life, making him a god. Asclepius is usually shown in a standing position, dressed in a long cloak and holding a staff with a curative serpent coiled around it, an image that Zeus later set among the stars. Worshipers used to sleep in Asclepius’ temples in the belief that Asclepius cured the sick during their dreams.