Why Makaton Training is Essential for Emergency Services Teams

Avon Fire & Rescue Service - Makaton Training at Nailsea Fire Station, North Somerset.

In times of crisis, communication can mean the difference between calm and chaos, clarity and confusion — even life and death. For emergency services teams — including police, ambulance, fire, and search & rescue — the ability to connect quickly and effectively with every member of the public is vital. But what happens when someone can’t communicate verbally, or has difficulty processing spoken language?

That’s where Makaton comes in... I recently delivered training to Avon Fire & Rescue Service, those that work with the more vulnerable people within our community and the Children and Young People's team, everyone was so enthusiastic about offering the best support for the children and older people within our community that they support and they are really working hard to embed Makaton into their services.

What is Makaton?

Makaton is a unique communication programme that combines signs, symbols, and speech to support understanding and communication. It’s widely used by people with learning disabilities, autism, Down’s syndrome, acquired communication disorders, and those who experience challenges with language processing.

While Makaton was originally developed for individuals with additional needs, it is now recognised as a valuable universal communication tool — particularly in high-stress, fast-paced, and emergency situations.

The Role of Emergency Services

Emergency services are often the first point of contact in critical and potentially traumatic moments. Staff are trained in how to handle a vast range of scenarios — but are they equipped to communicate with everyone they encounter?

Imagine:

• A young adult with autism is in a road traffic collision and becomes non-verbal under stress.

• A person with communication needs is lost in a public place and unable to express who they are or where they live.

• An elderly person with dementia is confused and frightened during a fire evacuation.

• A non-English speaking child relies on Makaton signs they’ve learned in school to express their needs.

  
  

In these situations, knowing just a few key Makaton signs or symbols could help emergency workers:

✅ Understand what someone is trying to say

✅ Provide reassurance

✅ De-escalate anxiety or aggression

✅ Quickly gather essential information

✅ Foster trust and connection

A Tool for Inclusive, Accessible Community Support

Investing in Makaton training shows a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. It demonstrates that emergency services are not only prepared to respond — but are actively working to include every voice in the community, even when it’s not spoken.

Training doesn’t need to be complicated. Even a Makaton awareness taster session can equip teams with:

• The basics of the programme

• Core vocabulary for emergencies

• Confidence using signs and symbols

• A broader understanding of non-verbal communication

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This knowledge can be applied immediately on the frontline, in schools, homes, public spaces, and during community events.

Leading by Example

Across the UK, more emergency services teams are embedding Makaton into their EDI strategies, staff development plans, and public engagement work. From police officers learning basic signs to paramedics using symbol cards in their kits — change is happening.

But there’s more to do...

By upskilling your team with Makaton training, you are not only improving service delivery — you're affirming that every individual matters, regardless of how they communicate.

Final Thought

Communication is a human right. Makaton is more than a training tick box — it's a practical, powerful way to make emergency services safer, more compassionate, and more inclusive for everyone.

If your emergency team is ready to take the next step in accessible communication, Makaton training is the perfect place to start. Private, in-house training is a popular and cost-effective option, You can find the training options I offer here: Makaton Training | Learn Makaton - Ali Makaton Tutor

References and Further Reading:

• The Makaton Charity (2024). About Makaton. Available at: makaton.org

• NHS England (2023). Accessible Information Standard. Available at: england.nhs.uk/ais

• HM Government (2010). Equality Act Guidance. Available at: gov.uk

• The Makaton Charity (2024). Makaton in the Community – Case Studies. Available at: makaton.org

**Disclaimer**

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and thoughts and information expressed in these blogs are from my own personal thoughts and real life experiences, they do not contain advisory content. While always striving to provide accurate and up-to-date content, there are no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. 

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These blogs are created from my own personal experience and are for general information purposes and are not, in any way, advisory. Where needed I have included research and reference links and further reading articles.

At times I have used AI generated content to reword my own thoughts and may include AI research of  information relevant to the blog and to create images relevant to my blogs, however whenever possible I have used my own images with permission from those featured in the images. My blogs are open to fair use.

Any questions or queries please do get in touch - alimakatontutor@gmail.com