The IDMT Symbol

For centuries the symbol of the healing arts has been a caduceus configuration.   It was commonly associated with Mercury, the Roman God of Commerce, and was carried as a symbol of peace.

Legend has it that Apollo, the Greco-Roman God with the wisdom of the Oracles, gave the staff to Mercury as a gift.  According to Apollo, the staff had the power to unite all beings divided by hate.  Mercury encountered two serpents that were fighting.   He threw the staff between them and they wound around it in friendly association.

The caduceus with a single snake coiled around it came to be a symbol for Aesculapius, the Greco-Roman God of Medicine, and subsequently for the medical profession itself.   The flame above the staff represents eternity as it applies to the passing of knowledge from one generation of IDMTs to the next.  The cross of red represents the international symbol for care and compassion towards the sick and injured.  It is also applied towards prevention and the alleviation of human suffering.  The white background serves as a reminder that we apply our skill with neutrality towards all patients regardless of nationality.  The symbol is encircled by a wreath of green laurel used by the ancient Greeks to crown victors in the Pythian games.  This wreath is symbolic of our honor in both achievement and in personal strength as paramedical providers of health care.

The emblem we use was designed by CMSgt Richard A. Preheim, SMSgt Herbert M. Phelps, and MSgt Terry J. Council.  We are grateful for their time and effort.  They are but one part of the proud IDMT history.