1. Detection: Often done by eyewitnesses in the event of illness or incident.

   2. Reporting: Those bearing witness then report illnesses and/or incidents to the proper authorities, whether its the local communications center, a doctor, etc.

   3. Response: The reporting is then transferred to the local ambulance squad. The communication center also determines whether or not advanced life support (Paramedics, Aeromedical Support, etc.) is required, and dispatches them to the scene.

   4. On Scene Care: Responing units arrive at the scene and begin treatment of the patient on location and prepare the patient for transport.

   5. Care In Transit: Care is then continues while enroute to the hospital or various trauma centers, the destination being determined by the team caring for the patient.

   6. Transfer To Definitive Care: When arriving at the destination, the responding team transferrs care to the hospital staff, giving a report of the complaint and the treatment thus far.

     The snake and the staff in the Star Of Life originates from pictures of Asclepius. He was the son of Apollo in Greek mythology and had learned the art of healing from a centaur named Cheron. Zeus had feared that mankind would then become immortal because of his skill, so Zeus killed Asclepius and Asclepius's followers worshipped him in his memory.