Georgia has ~11 million residents and a Good Samaritan AED framework anchored in OCGA §51-1-29.3. K-12 athletic requirements follow OCGA §20-2-324.1 and dental offices providing sedation are addressed separately. Many specific facility requirements are addressed at the municipal level.
Good Samaritan protection — OCGA §51-1-29.3
Georgia’s Good Samaritan AED statute protects lay rescuers, AED owners (when the device was properly maintained), trainers providing CPR + AED instruction, and physicians providing medical oversight. Protection applies to civil liability when actions were in good faith without gross negligence or willful misconduct.
K-12 athletic programs — OCGA §20-2-324.1
Georgia requires public K-12 schools with athletic programs to maintain AEDs and ensure CPR + AED-trained personnel are present at athletic events. Schools must integrate AED response into their emergency action plans. The Georgia High School Association also requires AED availability at sanctioned events.
Registration
Statewide AED registration is voluntary in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Public Health maintains a voluntary registry to support EMS dispatch routing. Atlanta and several other municipalities have local registration requirements for public-access AED programs.
Fitness facilities
Georgia does not have a statewide health club AED mandate. Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah have municipal ordinances requiring AEDs in larger fitness facilities. Verify local requirements with your municipal health department before procurement.
Georgia compliance checklist
| Requirement | Applies to | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AED in K-12 athletics | Public schools with athletic programs | Required |
| CPR + AED trained personnel | K-12 athletic events | Required |
| Emergency action plan | K-12 schools | Required |
| Statewide registration | All AED owners | Voluntary |
| Municipal registration | Major cities | Local requirement |
| Health-club AED | Statewide | Local rules vary |
| Annual maintenance | All AED owners | Required for protection |
Frequently asked questions
Do Georgia schools need AEDs?
Schools with athletic programs are required to have AEDs at events per OCGA §20-2-324.1.
Does Georgia have Good Samaritan AED protection?
Yes. OCGA §51-1-29.3 protects rescuers, owners, trainers, and overseeing physicians acting in good faith.
Do Georgia gyms need AEDs?
No statewide mandate. Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah have municipal ordinances. Check local rules.
Do I need to register my AED in Georgia?
Voluntary statewide. Atlanta and some other municipalities have local requirements.
Can I get sued for using an AED in Georgia?
Highly unlikely. OCGA §51-1-29.3 protects good-faith rescuers.
Pediatric-first AED procurement
The free quiz routes daycare-profile buyers to the right pediatric-capable model.
Sources
- OCGA §51-1-29.3 — Good Samaritan AED protection
- OCGA §20-2-324.1 — K-12 athletic AED
- Georgia Department of Public Health
Educational content. Not legal advice. Verify with Georgia DPH or qualified counsel.
