Georgia is taking a bold step forward in student and staff safety. With the passage of House Bill 874, signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in April 2024, all public K-12 schools in Georgia must have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site by July 1, 2025. This is a significant expansion from the previous requirement that applied only to high schools with interscholastic athletic programs.

As educators and school leaders, this change impacts your planning, operations, and emergency preparedness procedures. Here’s what you need to know—and how you can prepare.

What’s Changing Because of House Bill 874?

House Bill 874 introduces a statewide mandate designed to ensure that all schools are equipped to respond to cardiac emergencies. Every public K-12 school must now have at least one working AED on-site starting July 1, 2025.

Key Provisions of House Bill 874 Include:

AED Accessibility: Every public K-12 school must have at least one functional AED on-site in an easily accessible and clearly marked location. Shop our AED bundles here.

Emergency Action Plans (EAPs): Schools are required to develop a written emergency action plan that includes protocols for responding to sudden cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies.

Response Teams: Each school must designate an internal emergency response team trained to use the AED and implement the EAP effectively during a crisis.

Practice Drills: Schools must conduct at least two emergency response drills per academic year to practice their EAP and ensure staff are familiar with roles and responsibilities.

Funding Support: The Georgia Department of Education may provide funding to assist districts in purchasing AEDs. Schools are also encouraged to seek private donations or community support to meet the requirements.

What This Means for School Leaders and Staff

This legislation emphasizes proactive preparedness, and school leadership plays a critical role in making implementation smooth and effective. Here are a few steps to consider:

1. Assess Your Current Readiness: 

• Does your school already have AEDs?
• Are staff trained in AED use and CPR?
• Do you have an emergency action plan in place?

Related Article: How to Ensure Your Staff is Prepared for an Emergency

2. Develop or Update Your Emergency Action Plan: 

Your EAP should include clear roles, communication protocols, evacuation routes, and designated responders.

3. Identify and Train an Internal Response Team: 

Ensure key staff are trained in AED use and CPR, and schedule refresher training every 2 years. Learn about our onsite or blended online CPR, AED, and First Aid course here.

4. Schedule and Run Practice Drills: 

Drills should simulate real emergencies and test the effectiveness of your response procedures.

5. Budget and Plan for AED Acquisition: 

Reach out to district officials or community partners if your school needs help acquiring AEDs or funding training programs.

Why It Matters

As educators, you’re responsible not only for academic growth but also for the safety and well-being of every student and staff member. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur without warning—and having an AED on hand, along with trained personnel, can double or triple the chance of survival.

This law isn’t just a compliance measure—it’s a critical investment in the safety culture of your school.

The Deadline is Fast Approaching

The implementation deadline of July 1, 2025, is fast approaching. Taking action now gives your school ample time to plan, train, and build confidence in your emergency response protocols. More importantly, it ensures that you’re ready to respond in those critical moments when every second counts.

If you haven’t already, start the conversation with your leadership team today. Together, we can make Georgia schools safer and better prepared for any emergency. If you aren’t sure what type of AED is best for your school, contact us and we would be glad to help, or shop our AEDs here.

Are You Ready?

All School staff should be trained on the use of the AED. Georgia and South Carolina laws require all “expected users” to have nationally accredited certification if there is an AED on-site. While anyone can use an AED, whether they are certified or not, if they are expected to use it as part of their job, they should be certified.We offer nationally accredited CPR, First Aid, and AED courses for schools across Georgia and South Carolina. Request an AED class here, sign up for an at your own pace class here, or learn more about our AED classes here.