The ACT Emergency Medal was commissioned in March 2004 to recognise the efforts of those who worked tirelessly to preserve the community following the devastating bush fires of January 2003.

On the obverse a stylised flower symbolising the Canberra Royal bluebell, surrounded by wind and flame. On the reverse inscribed COURAGE / LEADERSHIP / TEAMWORK / PROFESSIONALISM / INNOVATION / INTEGRITY.

32mm ribbon, flame red with central yellow stripe bisected with a thin blue stripe.