Student wins prize for helping save burned trucker

[cougarnurse]

Now this is something: Nursing student wins prize for helping save burned N.J. trucker - NJ.com

MAHWAH -- A 25-year-old nursing student said there was no stopping her when she heard the screams of a trucker who caught fire on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Angelica Mercado's actions earned her the $50,000 top prize at the 13th Annual Russ Berrie Awards for Making a Difference Wednesday. The award honors New Jerseyans for their unselfish dedication to helping others.

Mercado helped smother the flames and drove the trucker to the hospital after his tanker, carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline, flipped over and burst into flames in November.

The man suffered second- and third-degree burns over 40 percent of his body.