Emergency Services Medal

Emergency Services Medal


Obverse of medal and ribbon
TypeMedal
Awarded fordistinguished service
Presented byAustralia
Eligibilitymembers of Australian emergency services
Post-nominalsESM
StatusCurrently awarded
Established7 July 1999
First awarded2000 Queen's Birthday Honours
Last awarded2024 King's Birthday Honours
Total663[1]
Order of Wear
Next (higher)Ambulance Service Medal (ASM)
Next (lower)Australian Corrections Medal (ACM)

The Emergency Services Medal (ESM) is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian emergency service, and people who are involved in emergency management, training or education. The medal was introduced in 1999, and recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "ESM".

Awards are made by the Governor-General, on the nomination of the responsible minister in each state or territory, and at the federal level. The total number of awards made each year must not exceed the following quota:

  • One medal for every 1000 full-time members, or part of 1000, full-time members of the emergency service (or combined emergency services) of each state.
  • One medal for every 5000, or part of 5000 part-time, volunteer or auxiliary members of the emergency service (or combined emergency services).
  • One medal may be awarded in each of the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and the combined External Territories.
  1. ^ Governor-General Annual Report 2023-24 (PDF). Governor General of Australia. 30 September 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.