Heraldry and the paramedic profession

Heraldry is a codified system of identifiable symbolism originating in the 13th Century as a means of identifying knights on the battlefield, and later during tournaments. Since then, armorial bearings (coats of arms) have been granted to individuals, charities and companies throughout the UK. In Scotland, the heraldic authority is the Court of the Lord Lyon, while for England, Northern Ireland and Wales, this role is undertaken by the College of Arms in London.

A full search of the records of both the College of Arms in London and the Lord Lyon Court in Edinburgh would be required to ensure inclusion of all armorial achievements awarded to paramedics, ambulance clinicians and ambulance services. However, without such a time-consuming and expensive investigation, we can discuss some of the records in the public domain.

The most widely used heraldic device (Table 1) in relation to UK paramedic practice is probably the crown badge, which features on most NHS ambulance service uniforms, often taking pride of place on frontline vehicle livery. This badge was granted in 1985 and features allusions to a modified staff of Asclepius as a spoke of a wagon wheel, representing the healing arts and transportation.