New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), one of Aotearoa’s official languages, is becoming increasingly visible - from social media to national TV and public safety messages. With this growing visibility, emergency workers such as Fire and Emergency, Police, Ambulance, Civil Defence, and volunteer rescue teams need fast, practical NZSL skills to communicate clearly with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people during urgent situations, ensuring responses are safe, inclusive, and accessible for all.

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About the Programme

​NZSL for Emergency Services is a 3-week crash course designed to give first responders and emergency workers essential NZSL vocabulary and Deaf culture awareness for real-world situations.

Participants learn signs and communication techniques that support clear, fast, and effective interaction in high-pressure scenarios.

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This short course is ideal for:

• Fire and Emergency NZ staff

• Police officers

• Ambulance and paramedic teams

• Civil Defence workers

• Search and rescue teams

• Volunteer emergency responders

• Frontline community safety workers

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Duration

The NZSL for Emergency Services course runs for:

• 3 weeks

• 1 session per week (1 hour per session)

• Delivered online in NZSL

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Costs

Courses start from $65 per person.

Participants receive:

• Digital handouts

• Practice homework

• Tutor support throughout the course

If your organisation is covering the course fee, please email us with your Reference or Purchase Order number.

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NZSL for your private organisation/service

We can provide customised NZSL workshops or Deaf culture training for emergency workplaces. These sessions can be delivered onsite, depending on tutor availability in your area. Contact us here to make a booking.