Prior Lake, Minnesota - The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announces the recent approval of the donation of 36 more Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) through the Mdewakanton LIFE Program.

Thirteen AEDs will go to the City of Prior Lake Police Department. Nine will go in marked squad cars. One will go in the D.A.R.E. vehicle, and one will go in the school liaison vehicle. Two will go in detective vehicles.

Five AEDs will go to the City of Eagan Emergency Services Department. Two Tribal Nations will also receive AEDs. One AED will go to the Kickapoo Nation School in Horton, Kansas, and four to the Omaha Tribal Rescue Department in Omaha, Nebraska.

In Minnesota the Elysian Fire Department (Elysian), Bold School (Olivia), and the Edina Community Foundation for the Parks/Recreation Department (Edina) will each receive two AEDs. One AED will go to the Native American Community Clinic (Minneapolis), and one AED will go to the Blooming Prairie Police Department (Blooming Prairie). Three AEDs were presented to the LeSeuer County Sheriff’s Department on April 11, 2008, and two AEDs were presented to the Jordan Fire Department on April 17, 2008.

The Mdewakanton Emergency Services Department administers the Mdewakanton LIFE Program which donates defibrillators to organizations including law enforcement programs, charitable groups, and schools.

"The SMSC has an active AED program here on the SMSC reservation, with defibrillators in 24 different locations,” said SMSC Director of Emergency Services Jim Muelken.

A shock from an AED is the best way to prevent permanent damage or death if delivered in the first few minutes after collapse from sudden cardiac arrest. For years the SMSC has used defibrillators on the reservation. Mdewakanton Emergency Services and Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Security officers receive training in the use of AEDs.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. It can also affect children and teenagers. When someone collapses from sudden cardiac arrest, damage to the brain and other vital organs begins in as little as four minutes. Often the heart does not stop completely but goes into ventricular fibrillation, in which the heart quivers rapidly but does not pump blood. This is where an AED can help by restoring a normal heartbeat.

"Through the Mdewakanton LIFE Program, we have given away more than 300 defibrillators since 2004," Muelken added.

In previous years the SMSC has donated defibrillators to local schools, tribes, fire departments, nursing homes, and other organizations.

Organizations in need of an AED may write a letter to the SMSC Business Council and mail it to Mdewakanton LIFE Program, Mdewakanton Emergency Services, 2330 Sioux Trail NW, Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372. Inquiries may be made to 952-233-1077. A downloadable form is also available at www.mdefire.org.

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