Allina Health EMT honored with national Red Cross Award

RIVER FALLS, Wis. (Dec. 05, 2025) —An emergency medical technician (EMT) with Allina Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) received the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action, a national award recognizing individuals who step up in a crisis to help save or sustain a life.

Harm Bents saved the life of a resident choking at Prescott Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in June. Bents had just finished working on an unrelated call in the facility, when a concerned citizen alerted him to the distressed man in a nearby unit. Bents immediately recognized the signs of a fully obstructed airway and performed the Heimlich maneuver. After several abdominal thrusts, the obstruction cleared, and the man could breathe again.

“You train for situations like this, but you never know when it’ll happen,” said Bents. “I’m grateful I was at the right spot at the right time and had the training to help. Knowing what to do gave me the confidence to act quickly. I strongly encourage everyone to learn the Heimlich maneuver; it’s a simple skill that can save a life.”

In October, the American Red Cross of Wisconsin Northwest Chapter came to Allina Health Emergency Medical Services in River Falls, Wis. to present Bents with a Certificate of Extraordinary Action, an accolade honoring the exceptional efforts of healthcare professionals.
“Harm’s skill and professionalism were on full display that day,” said Susan Long, president and chief of Allina Health EMS. “We are proud that our crews are always ready to respond and provide compassionate care.”
Bents award 1 (3)
Rich Schoenthaler, board chair, Red Cross of Northwest Wisconsin Chapter; Harm Bents, EMT with Allina Health EMS; MJ Thomsen, executive director, Red Cross of Northwest Wisconsin Chapter

About Allina Health

Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life. 

Allina Health Institutes are at the forefront of the mission, which offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties: 

  • Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – A leader in cardiovascular innovation, research and care delivery through clinical trials, publications and training 4,000+ providers annually, it is consistently rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News & World Report. 
  • Allina Health Cancer Institute – Providing comprehensive, personalized and innovative oncology care across the full cancer journey, delivered at ten locations—including its three largest hospitals, which U.S. News & World Report consistently rates “High Performing” in multiple oncology specialties. 
  • Allina Health Brain and Spine Institute – Delivering advanced neurologic and spine care through Givens Brain Tumor Program, two nationally accredited stroke centers and an elite Adult Neurology Residency Program, while earning recognition from Becker’s, Newsweek & U.S. News & World Report.

Together, these institutes exemplify Allina Health’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and compassionate care. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.