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Emergency First Responder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$58K - $76K/yr

The First Responder Instructor delivers New Mexico Tech EMRTC-approved training to law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management, hazardous materials, military, and other public-safety personnel.

... injury, provide first aid and basic emergency care (e.g., CPR, bleeding control, splinting ... A minimum of 1-2 years of field experience responding to medical events in fitness, athletic, or ...

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Emergency First Responder information

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How much do emergency first responder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for emergency first responder in the United States is $26.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an emergency first responder?

Emergency First Responders are trained individuals who are among the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency, such as accidents, medical crises, or natural disasters. Their primary role is to assess the situation, provide basic medical care, and stabilize patients until more advanced medical personnel arrive. They may include firefighters, police officers, EMTs, or trained civilians, and their quick actions can be critical in saving lives. Emergency First Responders receive specialized training in CPR, first aid, and emergency protocols to handle a variety of urgent situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an emergency first responder?

To thrive as an Emergency First Responder, you need a solid understanding of emergency medical procedures, assessment skills, and a relevant certification such as EMT or First Responder certification. Familiarity with emergency medical equipment, two-way radio systems, and patient care reporting tools is essential. Strong communication, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering rapid, effective care during emergencies and ensuring the safety of both patients and responders.

What are some common challenges emergency first responders face on the job, and how can they manage them?

Emergency First Responders frequently encounter high-stress situations, such as responding to traumatic incidents and making quick decisions under pressure. Managing emotional stress and maintaining composure are essential, as responders often interact with individuals experiencing distress or medical emergencies. Teamwork and clear communication with other emergency personnel, such as police and firefighters, are crucial for effective response. Many organizations provide training and support resources to help responders build resilience and cope with the demands of the role.

What is the difference between Emergency First Responder vs Emergency Medical Technician?

AspectEmergency First ResponderEmergency Medical Technician
CertificationsBasic First Aid, CPR, AEDEMT-Basic, CPR, AED
Work EnvironmentPublic safety, community events, emergenciesAmbulances, hospitals, emergency scenes
Job RoleInitial response, basic life supportAdvanced emergency care, patient transport

Emergency First Responders provide initial emergency assistance with basic life support skills, often in community or public safety settings. Emergency Medical Technicians have more advanced training, allowing them to perform additional medical procedures and transport patients. Both roles are essential in emergency response, but EMTs typically handle more complex medical situations.

What can an emergency first responder do?

An emergency first responder provides immediate assistance at the scene of an emergency, including basic life support, CPR, and first aid. They assess the situation, stabilize patients, and coordinate with advanced medical personnel while following safety protocols and using necessary equipment. Certification in first aid and CPR is typically required for this role.
More about Emergency First Responder jobs

What states have the most Emergency First Responder jobs?

States with the most job openings for Emergency First Responder jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Emergency First Responder jobs?

For Emergency First Responder jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Emergency First Responder job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,375 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

BEHAVIOR HEALTH FIRST RESPONDER

New Orleans, LA • On-site

Resources for Human Development
Non-Profits • 1 - 5K employees

$21.67/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Resources For Human Development rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Help People HealBehavioral Health First Responder (BHFR)

 Louisiana Metro Crisis 

Continuum, Louisiana Per Diem (PRN)
????DailyPay Available

Looking for More Than Just a Job?

At Resources for Human Development (RHD) Louisiana Metro Crisis Continuum, we believe every person deserves access to compassionate support during life's most challenging moments.

We're seeking dedicated professionals looking for a flexible Per Diem (PRN) opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their communities by responding directly to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. As a Behavioral Health First Responder, you'll play a critical role in connecting individuals to safety, support, treatment, and hope.

Whether you're an experienced behavioral health professional or bringing valuable lived experience to the role, you'll join a team committed to serving individuals with dignity, respect, and compassion while making a real impact every day.

About Resources for Human Development (RHD)

Resources for Human Development is a nonprofit organization committed to providing innovative services that support individuals in achieving greater independence, wellness, and quality of life. Through the Louisiana Metro Crisis Continuum, our team delivers critical crisis intervention services in partnership with community stakeholders and first responders, ensuring individuals receive the support they need when they need it most.

Every day, our employees help strengthen communities by providing compassionate, person-centered services that promote recovery and resilience.

Why Join Our Team?
 Competitive Pay & Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• DailyPay – Access Your Earned Wages Before Payday
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (for eligible employees) - after 30 days
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (for eligible employees)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Company-Paid Training

 Career Growth & Development

• Paid Training Programs
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Certification Opportunities
• Leadership Development Programs
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Opportunities Across Multiple Service Lines

 Meaningful Work That Matters

• Provide life-changing crisis intervention services
• Support individuals and families during critical situations
• Work alongside police, EMS, and fire/rescue personnel
• Build meaningful community partnerships
• Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving lives

What You'll Do

As a Behavioral Health First Responder, you will:

• Respond in person to behavioral health-related 911 calls in the community
• Conduct behavioral health assessments for individuals experiencing crises
• Safely manage crisis situations and support de-escalation efforts
• Provide psychoeducational services, skills training, and supportive crisis counseling
• Transport individuals to safer environments, including bed-based levels of care when needed
• Facilitate admissions and referrals to treatment providers and community resources
• Collaborate with police, fire/rescue, EMS, and other first responders during behavioral health emergencies
• Conduct follow-up outreach to ensure individuals connect with needed services and supports
• Complete documentation in accordance with organizational, funding, licensing, and accreditation requirements
• Represent the program at community events and outreach activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Who We're Looking For

You may be a great fit if you are:

✔ Compassionate
✔ Dependable
✔ Calm Under Pressure
✔ Team-Oriented
✔ Service-Focused
✔ Professional
✔ Adaptable
✔ Committed to Helping Others

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Gerontology, Anthropology, Political Science, History, Criminal Justice, Theology, Nursing, Counseling, Education, or a related field

OR

• High School Diploma or equivalent with three (3) years of lived experience

• Valid Driver's License

Preferred

• Peer Specialist Certification
• Experience working in behavioral health, crisis intervention, human services, emergency response, or related settings

Schedule

• Per Diem (PRN) position
• Flexible schedule based on organizational needs
• Community-based crisis response role
• Availability to respond to behavioral health emergencies during assigned shifts
• May include evenings, overnights, weekends, holidays, and support during community-wide emergencies or disasters

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and assist individuals with limited mobility
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, and climb stairs as required
• Ability to travel throughout the service area and operate agency vehicles
• Ability to work in uncontrolled community environments and various weather conditions
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

Work Environment

This emergency first responder position is performed primarily in community settings. Employees may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, loud environments, communicable diseases, agitated individuals, and other unpredictable field conditions. Team members must be comfortable working independently and collaboratively in fast-paced crisis situations.

Apply Today

Some jobs pay the bills.

Some jobs build careers.

This job helps save lives and strengthens communities.

If you're looking for meaningful work where your compassion, professionalism, and dedication can make a real difference for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, we encourage you to apply today.

Join our team and help people heal when they need it most.

About Our Organization

Resources for Human Development (RHD) Louisiana Metro Crisis Continuum is committed to creating opportunities for individuals to achieve greater independence and well-being through innovative, person-centered services.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Resources for Human Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.


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