Rafael Nocum, Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) Food Services patient ambassador, was awarded the prestigious Georgia Hospital Hero Award at the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) Hospital Hero Awards celebration in November. Nocum, one of only five individuals statewide to receive the award, was recognized for taking quick, heroic action during a hostile event that was paramount in keeping patients, visitors and staff safe.
“Hospitals are working diligently to combat workplace violence, and hospital staff make sure they are as prepared as possible for any situation that may arise,” said Caylee Noggle, GHA president and CEO. “Rafael Nocum quickly stepped into action to protect his fellow staff and other patients from an unexpected and alarming occurrence, and we are grateful for his bravery.”
Originally from the Philippines, Nocum was barely a year into his job where he worked delivering food trays three times a day. But already he had become known not only as a reliable worker but also as someone who went the extra mile for patients and would light up a room with his infectious smile.
On the day of the incident, Nocum entered a patient room to deliver breakfast to an individual who needed the extra care of having a sitter stay with them. When Nocum came inside, the patient became increasingly aggressive. Nocum quickly left and held the door closed in order to prevent the patient from harming other patients and staff. But charge nurse Erika Alvarez, RN, had him open it again so she could check on the patient and try to deliver care.
“When I walked into the room, the patient was punching the sharps container box,” Alvarez said. “The patient then proceeded to take used needles from the sharps container and throw them at me.” As Alvarez ran out, Nocum closed the door and held it until Public Safety officers arrived. During that time, the patient forcefully attempted to open the door.
“We don’t really prepare for this in food service,” said Anthony Frank, director of Food Services at HMC, “but he held that door with his foot against the wall with all his might for almost three minutes. Once Public Safety got there and he knew the situation was under control, he just went back to his cart and started delivering food again.”
Rodney Pittman, operations supervisor for Public Safety, said when he arrived on the scene, he found the room in complete disarray and the patient backed into a corner, wielding a metal instrument.
“I can say with confidence what Raphael did prevented a horrific event that could have happened,” Pittman said.
Roger Haikal, Food Services operations manager, said Nocum has always taken his job seriously. He said Nocum was humble about the incident and didn’t want praise.
“My father always taught me, whatever you’re doing, do it right. Do it to perfection,” Nocum said. “When this incident happened, I knew God sent me there, at that particular door, at that particular moment.”
Founded in 1929, GHA serves nearly 150 hospitals in Georgia and promotes the health and welfare of the public through the development of better hospital care for all Georgia’s citizens. The mission of GHA is to advance the health of individuals and communities by serving as the leading advocate for all Georgia hospitals and health care systems. GHA represents its members before the General Assembly and Congress, as well as state and federal regulatory agencies, and is an allied member of the American Hospital Association.