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$18

How much do first responder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for first responder in Tennessee is $17.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first responder?

First responders are professionals who are among the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency, such as accidents, natural disasters, or medical crises. This group typically includes police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics. Their primary role is to assess the situation, provide immediate care or intervention, and ensure the safety of those involved until further help arrives or the situation is under control. First responders are highly trained to handle high-pressure situations and often play a crucial role in saving lives and minimizing harm.

What do first responders do?

A first responder is an umbrella term for the first medically trained person to arrive on the scene of a medical emergency, accident, or other issue of public safety, such as an earthquake. This title usually includes police officers, firefighters, or EMTs. As a first responder, your primary responsibilities are to quickly and competently assess a situation and determine what other EMTs, police officers, or firefighters need to know when they arrive. You provide initial rescue or first aid care, but unless you are an EMT, you save more advanced medical care for when the ambulance arrives. In other words, a firefighter may provide CPR to an accident victim, but they stop when the more qualified first responder can take over.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first responder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Responder, you need expertise in emergency medical care, crisis assessment, and lifesaving procedures, often backed by EMT or paramedic certification. Familiarity with emergency communication systems, rescue equipment, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong decision-making, composure under pressure, and effective teamwork set outstanding First Responders apart. These abilities are crucial for delivering rapid, coordinated, and effective responses during emergencies, directly impacting safety and survival outcomes.

What are some common challenges first responders face during multi-agency emergency situations?

First Responders often encounter challenges related to communication and coordination when working alongside multiple agencies, such as police, fire, and EMS teams. Differences in protocols, equipment, and terminology can lead to confusion or delays in response. To address these challenges, First Responders participate in joint training exercises and use standardized communication systems to ensure everyone is aligned during emergencies. Adaptability, teamwork, and a clear understanding of roles are essential skills for navigating these complex scenarios effectively.

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

AspectFirst ResponderEmergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Required CertificationsBasic First Aid, CPR, and often Emergency Response trainingState-specific EMT certification, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentEmergency scenes, accident sites, public safety eventsAmbulances, hospitals, emergency scenes
Employer & Industry UsagePublic safety agencies, fire departments, policeAmbulance services, hospitals, EMS agencies

First Responders are trained to provide initial emergency care and scene safety, often before EMTs arrive. EMTs have more advanced medical training and can provide a wider range of pre-hospital care. Both roles are vital in emergency response, but EMTs typically have more specialized medical skills and certifications.

What qualifications do I need to be a first responder?

To become a first responder, individuals typically need to complete emergency medical training such as CPR and first aid certification, and obtain relevant certifications like Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic licensure. Additionally, they must meet age, background check, and physical fitness requirements set by their state or employer.
More about First Responder jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of First Responder jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of First Responder jobs in Tennessee are:

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Cities in Tennessee with the most First Responder job openings:

What are popular job titles related to First Responder jobs in TN?

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

First Responder jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Responder job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,304 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Adjunct First Responder Course Instructor (pool)

The Tennessee Board of Regents

Tullahoma, TN • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

MOTLOW STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
is accepting applications for the following position:
Adjunct First Responder Course Instructor (pool)
Position Summary: Pool Position
Campus: Any
Salary: $500-$700 per credit hour
Motlow State is located in the beautiful rolling hills of middle Tennessee and has four campuses that serve students from eleven counties. Motlow positions are contingent upon funding availability and budget approval.
General Function:
First Responder Course Coordinator/Instructor shall mean an individual responsible for the overall coordination of the First Responder Program. The individual shall act as a liaison between the sponsoring agency, students, the local medical community and the Division of The individual is also responsible for the delivery of didactic material, demonstration of the psychomotor skills, and verification of skill proficiency.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Currently licensed as a Tennessee EMT-Basic or Paramedic without history of revocation, denial, or suspension of licensure and nominated by a sponsoring EMS agency.
2. Must be certified as a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Instructor.
3. Pre-Hospital Experience: Minimum of one year practicing in the pre-hospital environment in Tennessee.
4. Letter of recommendation from sponsoring EMS agency.
Authorization renewal shall be contingent upon:
1. Maintaining current Tennessee licensure as an Emergency Medical Technician Basic or Paramedic without disciplinary action.
2. Maintaining current CPR instructor endorsement.
3. A letter of recommendation for reauthorization from the sponsoring EMS agency.
4. A letter of recommendation for reauthorization from the Regional EMS Consultant. 5. Completion of an EMS Board-approved Instructor Course.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Teach courses as assigned in accordance with the catalog description and the approved course syllabus; Teach dual enrollment classes at area high school as assigned; Travel to multiple campuses as assigned
  • Collaborate collegially with faculty, Department Lead, and curriculum chair about curricular and programmatic issues and needs
  • Collaborate collegially with faculty, administration and staff to support the students, strategic plan, goals and business operations of the college; Work collegially as part of both discipline-specific and multidisciplinary teams
  • Stay abreast of current developments in the teaching discipline including scholarship, creative research, disciplinary and interdisciplinary activities that focus on the boundaries of knowledge, community-based scholarship, creative activities, and the development of cutting-edge teaching approaches
  • Teach up to 12credit hours per semester as assigned
  • Maintain availability for meetings with students and colleagues as needed throughout the semester.
  • Respond promptly to the Dean's requests
  • Submit all requested paperwork timely and completely
  • Perform all duties in accordance with both TBR and MSCC policies
  • Attend Adjunct Orientation
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community
  • Strong computer skills, to include college database (Banner) management, word processing, creating spreadsheets, e-mail, and the internet
  • Knowledge of confidentiality statutes and policies as they apply to FERPA
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both in writing and verbally, with students, fellow employees, college administrators, and other stakeholders

To ensure consideration, interested applicants must submit an application, transcripts and resume online at www.motlowjobs.com
Human Resources Office, Dept. 200
Motlow State Community College
Telephone (931) 393-1592, TDD (931 393-1621)
E-mail: jobs@mscc.edu
Website: www.mscc.edu
Motlow College is an EEO/Title VI/Title IX/Sections 504/ADA Employer
Motlow State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.

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