The protective and the indicative use of the emblems

There are two main uses of the emblems: the "protective use" and the "indicative use".

Firstly, the emblems are a visible sign in armed conflict of the protection given to the medical services, equipment and buildings of the armed forces under international law. That protection extends to certain humanitarian organizations working alongside the military to relieve the suffering of the wounded, prisoners and civilians caught up in the conflict. This first use is usually referred to as “protective use”.

Secondly, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world are allowed to use the emblems to identify themselves as part of a global network known as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This use is called the “indicative use”.

Deliberate removal of the Red Cross or Red Crescent will have implications for demonstrating the protected status of medical personnel. This must be balanced against the practical risk to those same personnel in conflicts where their protective emblems are actually making them more vulnerable.

For further information, see:
https://www.icrc.org/en/doc/war-and-law/emblem/overview-emblem.htm