Current through 2024 First Special Session
Section 55-7-26 - First responders who use forced entry in response to 911 call; limited immunity from civil and criminal liability(a) "First responder" includes: law-enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel and others that respond to calls for emergency medical assistance.(b) Neither a first responder nor his or her supervisor, agency, employer or supervising entity is liable for any civil damages or criminal 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 medical assistance;(2) Has made reasonable efforts to summon an occupant of the home, business, or structure by knocking or otherwise notifying the occupant(s) of his or her presence;(3) Has not received a response from an occupant within a reasonable period of time; and(4) Has a good faith belief that it is necessary to make a forcible entry for the purposes of rendering emergency medical 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.Added by 2011 Acts, ch. 116 (HB 3105), eff. 6/10/2011.