Grateful patient praises Mercy Allen Hospital for saving his life on New Year’s Day

When 48-year-old Steven Pack awoke early on New Year’s Day, he realized that something was terribly wrong. Knowing that you never ignore chest pain, his wife quickly drove him to Mercy Allen Hospital. After being whisked into the hospital’s emergency department, his heart stopped beating twice, all within a few minutes. It was a scary moment, but thanks to the well-trained staff at Mercy Allen, Steven was stabilized and airlifted to Mercy Regional Medical Center where cardiologists inserted a stent to repair a clogged artery. He credits the fast attention to his failing condition to the doctors and nurses, noting that staff “sprang into action” to save his life. He contends, “At first, I didn’t believe that I was having a heart attack, but the staff knew and took steps to stabilize me to ensure that I lived.” For the staff at Mercy Allen Hospital, the lifesaving steps they took that morning was what they do each and every day – calmly focusing on how to deliver the very best in care to each patient. “My wife was standing just outside my room and witnessed the composed, efficient manner in which the team worked to diagnose and literally bring me back to life. She knew that I was in the very best place for care.” He was so touched by the excellent and compassionate care he received at Mercy Allen Hospital’s emergency department, he went to personally thank the staff, giving out hugs and delivering cupcakes for the staff to enjoy. He included a heart-felt and humorous thankyou letter to the team. “You guys went right to work helping me out, but unfortunately I decided to go into V-Fib and then die. Twice. Terribly rude of me and I apologize profusely. You brought me back, stabilized me and shipped me off to Mercy Regional Medical Center where I got a stent and was released about 24 hours later.” He continued, “I want to personally thank everyone who was there for me and my wife. I have always had a high opinion and appreciation of the work you do. Now it happens to be a little more personal.” At Mercy, we value each life and consider it a privilege to serve everyone who chooses to come to our facilities. We are fortunate to have staff across our health system who are dedicated to teamwork and excellence. Belief in the sacredness of each life – that is the basis for how we treat patients. “While I have never taken my life for granted, this was a gentle reminder to take care of myself,” Steven explained. “I am eating healthier and going to the gym more often with my wife. I am fortunate to have survived, and I extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone at Mercy Allen Hospital.” Mercy operates two full-service emergency departments in Lorain County at Mercy Allen Hospital in Oberlin and Mercy Regional Medical Center in Lorain. For more information about our services, visit mercy.com.