The Star of Life (SOL) was designed by Mr. Leo Schwarts, EMS Branch Chief at the National Highway Traffic Saftey Administration (NHTSA) United State of America. The star of life was created in 1973 as a common symbol to be used by US emergency medical services (EMS) and medical goods pertaining to EMS.

It was after complaints from the American National Red Cross objecting to the Omaha orange cross by ambulance services throughout America which clearly imitated the Red Cross symbol. The NHTSA investigated and felt that the complaint was justified.

However the use of the Red Cross symbol can still be seen on military
vehicles, hospital tents and buildings to protect wounded civilian and military personal as per the Geneva Convention in times of war.

The Six Bared Blue symbol was adapted from the medical identification symbol and was registered on February 1, 1997 with the commission of patents and trade marks in the name of the NHTSA. The trade mark expired in 1997.
Each bar on the Star of Life represents one of six functions.

They are as follows:

* Detection *
* Reporting *
* Response *
* On Scene Care *
* Care in Transit *
* Transfer to Definitive Care *

The Snake and the Wand (part of the Caduceus) portray the staff of Aesculapus - (son of Apollo) - the God of Medicine and Health. The Star of Life Symbol can be seen as a means of identification on ambulances and ambulance equipment world wide. Its use on EMS patches in the US and other countries signifies the wearer has been trained to meet National or State Training Standards as laid down from time to time.