I know the title of this post sounds like a bit of an exaggeration - but it's not; the 'Lifesaver' hat awarded in this year's bash which includes the red cross emblem violates Article 53 of the Geneva Conventions for the Protection of War Victims of 12 August 1949, which states:
The use by individuals, societies, firms or companies either public or private, other than those entitled thereto under the present Convention, of the emblem or the designation “Red Cross” or “Geneva Cross”, or any sign or designation constituting an imitation thereof, whatever the object of such use, and irrespective of the date of its adoption, shall be prohibited at all times.
This publication from the British Red Cross gives a brief explanation for why this is the case:
If asked, many people in the UK would probably say that the red cross is a first aid or medical sign.
In fact, first and foremost, the red cross emblem is a special sign of neutrality and protection in armed conflict. It is used to safeguard the wounded and sick and those who care for them. As such, the primary users are the medical services of the armed forces. The emblem shows that a person or object is protected under the 1949 Geneva Conventions (international humanitarian law).
The secondary purpose of the emblem is to indicate that the person or object on which it is displayed is connected with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the British Red Cross.
The emblem must be completely trusted to signify neutrality and protection, which is why its use is restricted by international and national law. If the red cross emblem or similar signs are used for other purposes, no matter how beneficial or inconsequential they may seem, the special significance of the emblem will be diminished.
This article has been widely implemented into national law - for example in the UK and in the USA. The latter of these sets the penalty for use of the emblem by any person or corporation other than the American Red Cross or the armed forces as a fine, or imprisonment for a term of up to six months, or both.
This occasionally comes to media attention when video games change the symbol on their health packs, usually after receiving a strongly worded letter from the International Committee of the Red Cross.
I suggest altering the current colour of the cross on the Lifesaver hat from red, or altering the symbol to one not protected under international law.
