1. The shape of the snake coiled sword on the ambulance represents the emergency medical rescue service system. It is called the "Star of Life" and is also called the "Snake Emblem" and "Snake Around the Cane".
2. The original patent (1967) for this logo was owned by the American Medical Organization (AMA), and was later "transferred" to NHTSA and became the logo of its emergency services (EMS). Initially, Dawson Mills of the U.S. Department of Transportation asked the American Red Cross to provide a red cross emblem for use by EMSS ambulances, but was refused.
3. Later, Mills asked "Dirk" Farrington of the AMA if he could provide the Star of Life, which was later approved. The six-sided prominent star was named by Leo R. Jonathan. The Star of Life was registered as a guarantee mark on February 1, 1977.
4. In September 2006, the Hong Kong Fire Services Department added life stars to the bodies of its ambulances. Fire brigade ambulance technicians in Taiwan will wear clothes with the Star of Life printed on them and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) written underneath. The ambulances also have the same pattern.