Emergency services

Emergency services on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are structured to meet the needs of a small and remote population, with support provided by both local responders and Australian government agencies. Policing is the responsibility of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), who maintain a permanent community policing presence on the islands. AFP officers handle routine law enforcement, community safety, border-related matters, and coordinate responses to major incidents.

Fire and emergency response services are delivered through local Fire and Emergency Services Units, which are staffed by trained personnel and community volunteers. These units respond to fires, vehicle accidents, severe weather events, and other emergency situations, playing a key role in local disaster preparedness and response.

Medical and ambulance services are provided through health clinics on West Island and Home Island, offering primary healthcare and emergency medical treatment. Due to limited facilities, serious or complex medical cases are stabilized locally and then transferred via aeromedical evacuation to hospitals on mainland Australia, most commonly in Perth. This system ensures access to advanced medical care despite the islands’ geographic isolation.