A Nigerian nurse has been honoured for his extraordinary bravery after saving a hospital patient who accidentally set her own head on fire while attempting to vape while connected to an oxygen supply.
Emmanuel Ndubuisi sprang into action when flames erupted around a female patient at Sunderland Royal Hospital after she tried to use an electronic cigarette from her hospital bed.
The fire, which broke out in August last year, could have spread rapidly through the ward, but Emmanuel’s quick thinking prevented what could have become a major disaster.
The woman, who is in her 50s, suffered burns to her head after the oxygen feeding through her mask ignited. Images taken after the incident reveal the intensity of the blaze, showing the oxygen mask and tubing melted onto the bed sheets while scorch marks were left across the hospital room floor.
Without hesitation, Emmanuel rushed to the patient’s aid, immediately cutting off the oxygen supply before grabbing a fire extinguisher to put out the remaining flames. His swift actions prevented the fire from spreading further and protected other patients and staff on the ward.
The patient was treated for burns to her head but escaped far more serious injuries because of the nurse’s rapid response.
Reflecting on the terrifying incident, Emmanuel admitted his first moments were filled with fear but said instinct and teamwork took over.
He said: “On the day it was a really scary moment and you never know how you are going to initially react. It was all about teamwork.
“Everyone acted so quickly. I was covered in smoke and terrified. I had to do one thing, either run off or turn that oxygen off. I am incredibly grateful to receive this award.
“It is a real honour and it motivates me to keep doing my best for our patients and colleagues every day.”
His courage has now been recognised with a Cavell Star Award, which honours healthcare workers who go above and beyond the call of duty. The award praised Emmanuel for remaining calm under pressure and acting decisively to protect both the patient and his colleagues during the emergency.
Karen Sheard, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, described Emmanuel as an outstanding example of the nursing profession.
She said: “This is a powerful example of our Trust’s values in action. In the NHS we often talk about compassion, respect, teamwork and honesty, but this is about seeing those values lived in practice.
“Thank you for all you do. We are incredibly proud to have Emmanuel as part of our team.”
The dramatic incident has also prompted the Trust to renew warnings about the dangers of smoking and vaping inside hospitals, particularly in areas where patients are receiving oxygen therapy.
Fire Safety and Security Manager Jim Charlton said the incident highlighted the potentially devastating consequences of ignoring hospital rules.
He said: “This shocking incident shows exactly why we ask our patients and visitors not to vape inside our buildings. We do that to keep everyone safe.
“This patient has been left injured by what happened, but it is fortunate it was not even more serious. Hospitals are places of care, treatment and recovery. Our staff should be able to work without fear of the dangers that vapes and cigarettes can create.
“The staff on the ward deserve enormous credit for their swift response. They turned off the oxygen and extinguished the fire. Everyone involved was exceptional.”
Medical experts have long warned that oxygen itself is not flammable but greatly increases the intensity of fire. Even a small spark from a cigarette or vaping device can trigger a violent blaze when concentrated oxygen is present. Similar incidents have been reported in hospitals and home care settings around the world, prompting repeated warnings that patients should never smoke or vape while receiving oxygen therapy.
