Georgia Launches Statewide AED Registry and Training
New law requires AED registration with 911 to improve cardiac emergency response times across the state.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Emergency Response
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Georgia has begun implementing Senate Bill 399, a new law that mandates the registration of automated external defibrillators with 911 services. The initiative aims to reduce response times for cardiac emergencies by providing dispatchers with real-time location data.
Why it matters
The measure addresses critical gaps in emergency cardiac care, honoring Mason Sells, who suffered sudden cardiac arrest in 2022. By integrating AED locations into dispatch platforms, the state seeks to save lives through faster access to life-saving equipment.
Senate Bill 399 mandates that all 911 operators across Georgia receive specialized training in CPR and AED coaching. This training must be completed statewide by the end of 2027.
The players
Brian Kemp
Brian Kemp is the Governor of Georgia who signed Senate Bill 399 into law.
Marty Harbin
Marty Harbin is a Georgia State Senator who introduced the legislation during the 2024 session.
Mason Sells
Mason Sells is a cardiac arrest survivor whose 2022 emergency helped inspire the new state safety legislation.
The details
Fayette County 911 is utilizing the RapidSOS UNITE platform to display nearby AEDs for dispatchers during emergency calls. Owners of these devices can register their equipment locations through the NEAR app to ensure they are available for use in life-threatening situations.
Timeline
2022: Mason Sells experienced sudden cardiac arrest.
2024 legislative session: Senator Marty Harbin introduced SB 399.
May 11, 2026: Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 399 into law.
October 2026: Fayette County 911 hosted the official kickoff of the Act.
End of 2027: The deadline for all 911 operators in Georgia to complete CPR and AED coaching training.
Seasonal Patterns
The implementation of Senate Bill 399 marks a permanent shift in how Georgia manages emergency medical responses. This law updates previous standards by codifying the mandatory integration of AED locations into the 911 emergency dispatch system.
AED owners across Georgia are now required to register their device locations to ensure they appear on 911 dispatch maps. Residents are encouraged to use the NEAR app to register their equipment and support faster emergency responses.
The takeaway
The new law turns bystander-accessible medical technology into a core component of the state's emergency infrastructure. Citizens should check if AEDs at their workplace or community center are registered to ensure they are visible to dispatchers during a crisis.
What happens next
By the end of 2027, all 911 operators throughout the state are required to complete mandated training in CPR and AED coaching to comply with the new law.
Further reading
Learn more about local updates in Georgia Emergency Response.
More information
To register your device, visit the online AED registry portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Citizen.
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Should local governments require owners to register AED locations with 911 dispatch centers?
