Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name Hospital employee cited for heroic acts

November 26, 2008

Teaneck, NJHoly Name Hospital will present its "Mission in Action" award on November 26 to employee Angelica Mercado, for her heroic acts on November 20.

Ms. Mercado, 24, was driving on the New Jersey Turnpike to her 3:00 11:00 p.m. shift as a patient care technician and unit secretary on the pulmonary unit, when she witnessed the explosion of a tanker truck. She pulled over her car and used her coat to smother the flames that engulfed the driver. She then placed the man in her car and drove him to The University Hospital in Newark, the closest hospital.

Ms. Mercado, a full-time student at Felician College, is working toward her degree as a registered nurse. Upon hearing the news of her heroic acts, Lori Fitzsimmons, R.N., unit director and Ms. Mercado's supervisor, said, "It doesn't surprise me. Angelica is very kind and considerate, responsible, a hard worker. She's a team player. I am very proud of her and honored to have her as part of the 5 Marian team."

Michael Maron, Holy Name's President and CEO, said, "This was a dangerous situation, one that many people would have run fromnot toward. For such a young woman to have disregarded her own safety to help another, is extraordinary. She's obviously a very special person. I think I speak for everyone, when I say that I'm so proud Angelica is a member of our staff."

Mr. Maron noted that the hospital will also give Ms. Mercado a gift card to compensate for the loss of her jacket.

The mission statement of Holy Name Hospital: We are a community of caregivers committed to a ministry of healing, embracing the tradition of Catholic principles, the pursuit of professional excellence and conscientious stewardship. We help our community achieve the highest attainable level of health through prevention, education, and treatment.