A nurse, Emmanuel Ndubuisi, displayed heroism by saving a patient’s life at Sunderland Royal Hospital. The patient accidentally set her head on fire while attempting to vape in her hospital bed connected to an oxygen supply. Emmanuel swiftly acted, cutting off the oxygen and extinguishing the flames before they spread, preventing a potential disaster.
The patient, a woman in her 50s, suffered burns on her head but avoided serious injury due to Emmanuel’s quick response. Photos showed the intensity of the fire, which melted the oxygen mask and tube, causing damage to the bed sheet and floor. Emmanuel’s bravery earned him a national award for his courage and decisive actions during the incident last August.
Emmanuel described the experience as terrifying but highlighted the importance of teamwork in handling the situation effectively. He emphasized the need to act promptly in such emergencies and expressed gratitude for the recognition received.
The hospital praised Emmanuel for his calmness under pressure, stating that his actions exemplified the values of compassion, respect, and teamwork in healthcare. The incident prompted a warning from the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust about the dangers of smoking and vaping in hospitals, emphasizing the importance of safety for patients and staff.
Jim Charlton, the hospital’s fire safety manager, emphasized the need to avoid vaping and smoking inside hospital premises to prevent similar incidents. The Trust commended the swift response of the ward staff in handling the situation and pledged to raise awareness about the risks associated with vaping and smoking to ensure a safe environment for all.
