11.11.2025
We pause to honour those who have served and sacrificed in times of war and peace.
While Remembrance Day is traditionally associated with military remembrance, it also offers a moment to reflect on the broader spectrum of service — including those who dedicate their lives to saving others in moments of crisis. One such group is the Emergency Medicine community, and our emblem — the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) coat of arms — carries profound symbolism that resonates deeply with the spirit of Remembrance Day.
The RCEM coat of arms, officially adopted in 1997, is divided by a lightning strike — a nod to the use of electricity in emergency care, from defibrillation to diagnostics. The shield’s two halves, coloured to represent night and day, reflect the relentless nature of Emergency Medicine. Just as soldiers stand watch around the clock, so too do emergency physicians, ready to respond at any hour.
On the right half of the shield blooms a poppy — a flower universally recognised on Remembrance Day. Traditionally, the poppy honours fallen soldiers, inspired by the fields of Flanders. In the RCEM arms, it symbolises opiate analgesia, a cornerstone of pain relief in Emergency Care. This dual symbolism — remembrance and healing — bridges the worlds of battlefield and hospital, reminding us that both are arenas of sacrifice and compassion.
Flanking the shield are two figures: the “wound man,” a historical representation of the many injuries a physician may treat, and a healthy man, symbolising recovery. On Remembrance Day, these figures echo the journey of countless veterans — from trauma to healing — and the vital role of medical professionals in that process.
Beneath the shield lie nettles and dock leaves, representing harm and its cure. This humble imagery speaks to the enduring human quest to alleviate suffering. The motto, “Semper succurrimus aegriis” — “We always help the sick” — is a timeless declaration of service, echoing the commitment of both medics on the battlefield and clinicians in Emergency Departments.
The RCEM coat of arms is more than a professional emblem; it is a tapestry of symbols that honour the past, acknowledge the present, and inspire the future. On Remembrance Day, as we wear our poppies and reflect on sacrifice, let us also remember those who continue to serve — in hospitals, ambulances, and emergency rooms — carrying forward the legacy of care, courage, and compassion.