Custom EMS Patches

The Star of Life is a six-pointed blue star with a white snake-and-staff (Rod of Asclepius) at its center. Each of the six points represents one of the six core functions of emergency medical care: detection, reporting, response, on-scene care, care in transit, and transfer to definitive care. It was designed in 1973 by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is now the global symbol of EMS. Most EMS patches incorporate it.

EMT and Paramedic patches identify the certification level of the wearer. EMT patches generally read "EMT" or "EMT-B" (Basic). Paramedic patches read "Paramedic" or "EMT-P". Many agencies issue both as separate sleeve patches and require the appropriate one based on credential. Some states have additional intermediate levels (AEMT, EMT-I) with their own patches.

Yes to all three. Fire-based EMS often pairs the EMS shoulder patch with the existing department fire patch on the opposite sleeve. Hospital-based EMS typically follows the hospital brand standards. Private and contract EMS agencies have their own service identity. We build all three formats.

Sew-on is the standard for uniform shirts. EMS uniforms see heavy laundering and the patch needs to be permanently affixed. For high-vis vests, jackets, and gear bags that need patch swapping, velcro is appropriate. We will produce both formats from the same artwork.

Yes. Line-of-duty memorial patches, anniversary patches, and commemorative service patches are common EMS programs. We have produced patches commemorating service milestones, retired members, and memorial events. Designs typically incorporate the Star of Life with a black band, dates, or specific memorial language.