The logo of the European College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care is inspired by three universal symbols that are related to emergency and critical care.
The internationally accepted symbol for first aid is the white cross on a green background. The universal first aid symbol, as set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), inspired the green cross to represent the emergency aspect of our organisation.
The Aesculapian snake is a symbol of the medical professions. It features on the flag of the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the logos of many hospitals and medical services. The symbol combines the image of a snake which sheds its skin and is reborn as it were, with the staff of the God of medicine, Asclepius. For the veterinary medicine profession, the snake is often combined with a “V”-shape.
The colour of the horseshoe shape is inspired by another universal symbol, the Star of Life, which is a symbol used to identify emergency medical services. It features a blue six-pointed star, outlined by a white border.
The horseshoe symbolises good luck or hands that protect. It represents our effort to care for our veterinary patients when they are very sick, and offer loving nursing care which is an important aspect of our profession.