History
The ACT Ambulance Service is one of the four operational services of the ACT Emergency Services Agency, the body created in the aftermath of the 2003 Canberra firestorm, and its Long Service Medal recognises the paramedics and staff who give it their decades: the medal is awarded at ten years of service, with a first clasp at twenty years and a second at thirty.
Awards are presented at the agency's long service and national awards ceremonies, where ACTAS recipients stand alongside their colleagues of ACT Fire and Rescue, the ACT Rural Fire Service and the ACT State Emergency Service, and beside the National Medal recipients whose fifteen years the Commonwealth recognises in parallel. The agency's ceremonies have honoured careers past forty five years, the Territory's frontline measured in whole working lives.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The agency does not publish a formal design description for the medal; the pattern supplied is the current issue, and the photographs above show its obverse and reverse.
The ribbon
The current ACT Ambulance Service issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Clasps
Continued service is recognised by clasps at each further decade.
Clasp (20 and 30 years)
A first clasp is awarded at twenty years of service and a second at thirty, worn on the ribbon of the medal.
Eligibility
The medal recognises long service with the ACT Ambulance Service.
- The medal is awarded at ten years of service, with a first clasp at twenty years and a second clasp at thirty years;
- Awards are presented at the ACT Emergency Services Agency's long service ceremonies;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
Agency and state emergency service awards do not form part of the Australian honours system. They are worn separately from the national honours in accordance with the issuing agency's dress policy, and on civilian racks they are mounted as a distinct group apart from the official awards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ACT Ambulance Service Long Service Medal awarded for?
Ten years of service with the ACT Ambulance Service, with a first clasp at twenty years and a second at thirty.
Who presents it?
The ACT Emergency Services Agency, at its long service and national awards ceremonies, alongside the medals of its other services.
What is the ESA?
The ACT Emergency Services Agency, the umbrella body created after the 2003 Canberra firestorm, covering the ACT Ambulance Service, ACT Fire and Rescue, the ACT Rural Fire Service and the ACT State Emergency Service.
Does ambulance service count toward national awards?
Yes. Fifteen years of eligible service can earn the National Medal within the Australian honours system, and the ESA presents both at the same ceremonies.
How is it worn?
Separately from the national honours, in accordance with the agency's dress policy, and as a distinct group on civilian racks.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.