Businesses, schools, churches, government agencies and other organizations in Chattooga County that own an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are now required to register the device’s location with Chattooga County EMA/E-911 under a new state law that took effect July 1.

The requirement is part of the Mason Sells AED Coordination Act (Senate Bill 399), which establishes a statewide system to help emergency dispatchers quickly identify the nearest publicly accessible AED during a cardiac emergency.

Chattooga County Emergency Management Director Pamela Vaughn said the county is currently working with its computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and mapping vendor to incorporate registered AED locations into the 911 system. Until that work is complete, dispatchers are manually entering each registered device under the medical information tab for its address. An audible alert will notify communications officers whenever a 911 call is received from a location with a registered AED, helping ensure first responders know a device is available.

Vaughn emphasized that residents should not call 911 to register an AED. Instead, owners should use the registration forms available through Chattooga County EMA/E-911 or visit the office at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville for assistance with the registration process.

Under the new law, anyone who owns or maintains an AED must register its location with the local emergency communications center before placing the device into service. Owners are also required to notify 911 if the AED is moved, removed from service or relocated so records remain accurate.

The law also requires 911 communications officers to receive training in telephone-assisted CPR and guiding callers in the use of an AED during emergencies. It reinforces Georgia’s Good Samaritan protections for individuals who use an AED in good faith while responding to a medical emergency.

The legislation is named in memory of Mason Sells, a 20-year-old Mercer University student who died after suffering cardiac arrest during an intramural soccer match. Although an AED was reportedly nearby, bystanders and the 911 dispatcher were unable to quickly determine its location. State lawmakers unanimously approved Senate Bill 399, and Governor Brian Kemp signed it into law. The act became effective July 1, 2026.

Anyone with questions about registering an AED in Chattooga County should contact Chattooga County EMA/E-911.