Red Cross Australia CEO Judy Slatyer is urging people to stop misusing the red cross emblem. The emblem is often mistakenly associated with medical care but actually means ‘don’t shoot’.

“Every time the red cross is misused, even by mistake, its real meaning is diluted and this can cost lives,” said Red Cross CEO Judy Slatyer.

“If people don’t understand what the red cross means, hospitals are bombed, aid workers can be shot as they try to save lives in armed conflicts.

“It also means that all too often, civilians caught up in the conflict may not get the life-saving assistance they need.”

Slatyer said the organisation is trying to protect the emblem that protects lives, as it releases The Emblem App on World Red Cross Red Crescent Day on Sunday.

She said many Australian companies have stopped using a red cross after the organisation explained its importance in conflicts, including AAMI after it featured in the insurer’s ‘naughty nurse’ TV ad.

Slatyer said people usually respond with ‘oops, we didn’t realise this was a problem’.