Most Hamilton County public and private high schools already have an automated external defibrillator on campus ahead of a new Tennessee law that requires those schools to keep the device available during classes, athletic practices and games.
Under the law, all public and private schools that serve high school students must have a defibrillator that is accessible during the school day and during all school youth athletic activities, starting with the 2024-25 academic year. The defibrillator must be placed in an unlocked location within three minutes of where practices and games are held.
Also, beginning Sept. 1, public and private high schools must establish, review and annually rehearse an athletics emergency action plan to be ready when students have a serious or life-threatening injury. The law also requires school personnel both on and off the field to have training in both CPR and in using automated external defibrillators.
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All Hamilton County public high schools have a defibrillator, and athletic trainers carry portable defibrillators, district Director of Athletics Tim James said.