Camden County Prosecutor Mary Eva Colalillo commends a Cooper University Health Care nurse for helping members of law enforcement save a man from a drug overdose.
The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. on December 7 on Interstate 676 southbound near Morgan Boulevard in Camden.
Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Capt. Kevin Kellejan was driving home from work when he observed a vehicle on the side of the road and a man lying on the ground receiving CPR from another person. The captain subsequently pulled over to help and radioed for assistance.
Shortly thereafter, Mark Morrato, an assistant clinical director in the catheterization lab at Cooper’s Heart Institute, who also was driving home from work, noticed the situation and pulled over to help.
The victim, a Gloucester City man in his early 20s who was suffering from an apparent drug overdose, was reported to have no pulse. Morrato took over for the victim’s friend who had been attempting CPR and was able to revive the man through chest compressions. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The members of the New Jersey State Police, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service and Camden County Police also responded to the scene.
“Mr. Morrato’s actions saved a life that day,” said Prosecutor Colalillo. “It’s people like him who go above and beyond that make this world a better place. I also applaud all of the members of law enforcement who stopped to provide assistance.”