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Emergency Law Inventory | Full Law Text

Law Number

Tenn. Code Ann. 29-34-203

Summary Title

Liability: First Responder Responding to Emergency Call

Summary

A first responder or first responder’s supervisor who, in good faith, forcibly enters a home following a 911 call and who is unable to summon an occupant of the house will not be held legally responsible.

Full Title

Immunity for first responders in responding to emergency calls

Full Text

(a) As used in this section, "first responder" means a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency services personnel or other person who responds to calls for emergency assistance from a 911 call. (b) A first responder and the responder's supervisor, agency, employer or supervising entity is immune from civil liability resulting from a forcible entry of a home, business or other structure if the first responder: (1) Is responding to a documented 911 call for emergency assistance; (2) Has made reasonable efforts to summon an occupant of the home, business, or structure that made the call by knocking or otherwise notifying the occupant of the first responder's presence; (3) Has not received a response from an occupant within a reasonable period of time after making reasonable efforts pursuant to subdivision (b)(2); and (4) Has a good faith belief that it is necessary to make a forcible entry for the purposes of rendering emergency assistance or preventing imminent bodily harm. (c) Nothing in this section shall affect the standard of care a first responder must employ when rendering aid after gaining entry.

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