[link|http://www.redcross.org/museum/pre1900.html|link]
In October 1863, The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was created in Geneva, Switzerland, to provide nonpartisan care to the wounded and sick in times of war. The Red Cross emblem was adopted at this first International Conference as a symbol of neutrality and was to be used by national relief societies. The symbol is composed of five equal squares, sometimes referred to as a Greek cross. It was chosen because it is a reverse of the colors of the Swiss flag and because the red cross on a background of white was easily recognized and reproducible on battlefields.

The Geneva Conventions now recognize two emblems that are currently in use, the red cross and the red crescent (used in most Muslim countries). The red shield of David emblem used by Israel, while not in the Geneva Conventions, is also a respected emblem. The emblem is the symbol used by the Magen David Adom, Israel's humanitarian relief organization.