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First Responder Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

PCT-Float Pool-Full-Time-Nights

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Preferred: CNA certification, EMT licensure, First Responder Course, MA certification Experience: Required: Preferred: Hospital experience Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration ...

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First Responder information

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$4

$18

How much do first responder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of First Responder jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of First Responder jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to First Responder jobs in Tennessee? For First Responder jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Responder jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for First Responder jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for First Responder jobs? 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:
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, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,304 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

PCT-East Emergency Department-PRN

Erlanger Health System

Chattanooga, TN โ€ข On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
A non-licensed healthcare provider employed by Erlanger Health Systems is responsible for direct and/or indirect care of patients under the delegation and supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Education:
Required:
High School Diploma, GED or equivalent, or occupational diploma paired with successful completion of the project search program or meet one of the preferences.
Preferred:
Active certification in one of the following: Certified Nursing Assistant in the State of Tennessee, First Responder, EMT, Nursing student having completed Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical Assistant, Pre-Med student, Military Corpsman, Combat Life Saver or Combat Medic or Surgical Technician. Any of these may apply and work in a Patient Care Technician position, but must function within the guidelines, skills, and pay grade outlined for the Patient Care Technician. Those who were employed as a Patient Care Technician prior to 3-1-2004 and do not have the above educational requirements will be grandfathered in as a Patient Care Technician. He/She must successfully complete an Erlanger fundamentals checklist, observed demonstration, and pass a written exam.
Experience:
Preferred, but not required.
Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
BLS completed prior to going to unit/department and maintained going forward.
De-escalation training.
Preferred:
One or more:
CNA certification
Medical Assistant
EMT
First Responder
Combat Medic
Combat Life Saver
Military Corpsman
Department Position Summary:
The Patient Care Technician must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in the emergency room. Duties may include assisting medical and nursing staff with phlebotomy, EKG, procedure set-up and cleaning, and patient care for a broad patient population. The employee must be able to exercise judgment to recognize and identify signs and symptoms that require further evaluation by a licensed nurse. The employee must be able to effectively communicate with customers and team members, be flexible and adapt easily to change.