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.

BlueStar

For EMS, the six bars represent the six systems functions:

  1. Detection
  2. Reporting
  3. Response
  4. On scene care
  5. Care in Transit
  6. 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.