Pennsylvania lineworkers perform some of the most important and dangerous work in the Commonwealth. They routinely work on energized electrical systems, at significant heights, in confined spaces, and in all weather conditions, often during storms and disasters. Sudden cardiac arrest is a constant risk due to electrical shock, extreme exertion, or trauma.
 
In sudden cardiac arrest, survival is measured in seconds. The chance of survival decreases by about 10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation. AEDs are simple, portable devices designed so anyone can use them with minimal training, and they can mean the difference between life and death. The risk is elevated in rural communities, where the nearest hospital or EMS station may be 20–40 minutes away.
 
We will soon be introducing legislation to require that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) be readily available on electric utility worksites in Pennsylvania, and we invite you to join us as a co-sponsor.
 
Pennsylvania law already mandates AEDs in schools, hotels, health clubs, and coal mines, yet there is currently no requirement that electric utilities or their contractors provide AEDs at worksites where linework and electrical work are performed. This leaves a critical gap in protection for workers whose jobs are both inherently hazardous and essential to public safety and grid reliability.
 
Our legislation will:
 

• Mandate AED availability at utility and electrical linework worksites, including in the field;
• Require basic AED and CPR training for lineworkers and crew leaders, and establish reasonable maintenance and inspection standards; and
• Extend and clarify Good Samaritan protections so workers who use AEDs in good faith are shielded from unnecessary liability, consistent with existing protections in schools, health clubs, and coal mines.

 
AEDs are inexpensive, easy to use, and require minimal training. For large utilities, the cost of purchasing and maintaining AEDs and providing basic training is small when compared to the human and financial cost of a preventable death and the loss of a skilled, experienced lineworker.
 
This is a workplace safety, public safety, and reliability issue. Experienced lineworkers are essential to maintaining and restoring our electric grid. Pennsylvania already protects students, health club members, hotel guests, and miners with AED mandates, and the lineworkers who power our homes, businesses, and hospitals deserve the same protection.
 
We respectfully ask that you join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation.