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Hero nurse saved patient who set own head on fire while vaping in hospital bed

A hero nurse saved a patient's life and won a bravery award after her hospital bed vape ignited an oxygen supply, sparking a terrifying fire

[Hero nurse Emmanuel Ndubuisi saved a patient's life after she accidentally set fire to her own head ]

Hero nurse Emmanuel Ndubuisi saved a patient's life after she accidentally set fire to her own head (Image: SWNS)

A hospital ward descended into chaos after a patient accidentally set her own head on fire while vaping in her hospital bed. The unnamed woman, who is in her 50s, was instantly engulfed in a terrifying ball of flames after puffing on her e-cigarette while hooked up to a high-flow oxygen supply.

But a catastrophe was narrowly avoided thanks to the split-second heroics of brave nurse Emmanuel Ndubuisi, who risked his own life to tackle the fiery nightmare at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

As thick, choking smoke filled the ward, fearless Emmanuel ran directly toward the danger. He managed to isolate the highly flammable oxygen supply before grabbing a fire extinguisher to battle the flames.

[The unnamed woman was engulfed in a ball of flames after puffing on her e-cigarette]

The unnamed woman was engulfed in a ball of flames after puffing on her e-cigarette(Image: SWNS)

Shocking photos from the aftermath show the damage caused by the fire, which melted the patient's oxygen mask and tube directly into her bedsheets and left the hospital floor scorched.

Emmanuel, who has now been handed a prestigious national bravery award for his quick thinking during the incident last August, admitted he was absolutely terrified.

He said: "On the day it was a really scary moment, and you never know how you're going to initially react. It was all about teamwork. Everyone acted so quickly. I was covered in smoke and terrified.

[Shocking photos from the aftermath show the damage caused by the fire]

Shocking photos from the aftermath show the damage caused by the fire(Image: SWNS)

"I had to do one thing either run off or turn that oxygen off. I'm incredibly grateful to receive this award. It's a real honour and motivates me to keep doing my best for our patients and colleagues every day."

For his incredible composure, Emmanuel was presented with the Cavell Star Award, which honours NHS staff who show exceptional dedication and stay cool under extreme pressure.

Stunned hospital bosses have praised his actions, with Karen Sheard, the director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, leading the tributes.

[The hospital floor was left scorched following the incident]

The hospital floor was left scorched following the incident(Image: SWNS)

She said: "This is a powerful example of our Trust's values in action. In the NHS, we often talk about our values compassion, respect, teamwork and honesty, but this is about seeing those values lived in practice.

"Emmanuel represents the very best of our profession, reminds us why we are proud to work in healthcare and inspires all of us to continue striving for excellence. Thank you for all you do. We are incredibly proud to have Emmanuel as part of our team."

While the patient escaped with burns to her head, hospital chiefs at the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust have warned that the consequences could have been fatal.

They have issued an urgent, stern warning to all patients and visitors about the severe dangers of lighting up or vaping on wards.

Jim Charlton, the hospital's fire safety and security manager, 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 a place of care, treatment and recuperation for those who need our help.

"Our staff should be able to work without fear of the damage and risk vapes and cigarettes cause. The staff on the ward where this incident happened are to be commended on their swift response.

"They turned off the oxygen and put out the fire with an extinguisher. All of those involved were fantastic. We will continue to remind patients and visitors about the fire risk of both vapes and cigarettes using this incident as a real-life example of the dangers they present."

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