​The Star of Life

The Start of Life is immediately recognizable and synonymous with Emergency Medical Services but do you know the meaning?

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Five Point Training Star of Life

In the beginning days of EMS in NJ and before EMT certification, there were "Five Pointers" a NJ First Aid Council certification given to those who completed training in: Extrication, Advanced First Aid, C.P.R., Defensive Driving, and Emergency Child Birth. 

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EMS Star of Life

In the center of the star is the Rod of Asciepius representing the son of Greek God Apollo, who mastered the art of healing. It symbolizes Life, Food, and Medicine. 

The snake that wraps around the Rod symbolizes medicine. It was discovered that venom from a snake could also be used as the "anti-venom" to treat poisonous snake bites. 

The six bars of the star represent: Early Detection, Early Reporting, Early Response, On Scene Care, Care in Transit, and Transfer of Definitive Care.