Immunity for first responders in responding to emergency calls

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TN Code › Title 29 › Chapter 34 › Section 29-34-203

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

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. Acts 2012, ch. 844, § 2.

(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.

(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.

Acts 2012, ch. 844, § 2.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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