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Through its Mdewakanton LIFE Program, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community donated one AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to the Lutsen Mountain Ski Patrol on March 24, 2011. Lutsen Mountain Ski Patrol Director Jim Ruzicka and Mdewakanton Emergency Services EMT/Firefighter Eric Zimmerman are pictured. The Mdewakanton LIFE Program has donated more than 660 AEDs since the program began in 2004. The program has recorded 13 lives saved. Lutsen EMS Chief Fred Schmidt said this is a vital addition to the ski patrol. “In the past, Lutsen First Responders were called because they didn’t have one. This could be a real lifesaver.”