# Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-203: Immunity for first responders in responding to emergency calls

> Tennessee · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-203

## Section

- **Citation:** Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-203
- **Heading:** Immunity for first responders in responding to emergency calls
- **Jurisdiction:** Tennessee
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** TN Code / Title 29 / Chapter 34 / Section 29-34-203

## 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.

## Nearby sections

- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-101 [Repealed] Express consent required for settlements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-101.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-102 [Repealed] Rescission of fraudulent or erroneous settlements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-102.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-103 § 29-34-103](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-103.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-104 [Repealed] Privity not required](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-104.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-105 Settlements on behalf of minors](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-105.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-106 [Repealed] Provision of settlement agreement prohibiting disclosure of identities of persons relating to claim void and unenforceable](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-106.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-201 Injuries suffered in committing or attempting to commit felony on property of another - Recovery barred - Scope of immunity for one injuring a perpetrator of a criminal offense](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-201.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-202 Immunity for natural gas providers - Exceptions - Product liability claims](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-202.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-203 Immunity for first responders in responding to emergency calls](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-203.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-204 Charitable fundraisers - Immunity from suit](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-204.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-205 Commonsense consumption](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-205.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-206 Liability for providing firefighting equipment to volunteer departments](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-206.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-207 Liability for liquefied petroleum gas](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-207.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-34-208 Liability of possessor of real property for harm to trespasser](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-208.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T29_C34_S29-34-203. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.