Hospital patient saved by hero nurse after setting her own head on fire while attempting to vape

Hospital patient saved by hero nurse after setting her own head on fire while attempting to vape Emmanuel Ndubuisi has received an award for his courage and heroism in saving a patient and extinguishing a fire at Sunderland Royal Hospital in Sunderland A hero nurse was forced to step in and save her patient's life after they set their own head on fire during a doomed attempt to vape from their hospital bed. Brave Emmanuel Ndubuisi managed to avert potential disaster when he stepped in to combat a fire that threatened to engulf his ward at Sunderland Royal Hospital. An unnamed female patient triggered the blaze after trying to smoke her e-cigarette while connected to an oxygen supply. She had managed to set fire to her head, inflicting burns in the process, but the incident was contained thanks to Emmanuel's quick thinking. Emmanuel cut off her oxygen surprise and used a fire extinguisher to put down the remaining flames before they were able to take hold during the incident, which took place last August. The patient, in her 50s, required hospital treatment for burns she sustained on her head, but was able to avoid serious injury thanks to the nurse. Pictures from the scene show just how intense the fire had become at the time, with the flames having melted through the oxygen mask and its tube, which puddled on the bed sheet. The room's floor was also scorched in the aftermath, the images show, revealing the extreme conditions Emmanuel faced. His heroism earned the nurse a national bravery award, recognising the courage and rapid thinking needed to ensure the rest of the ward wasn't engulfed. Speaking about the day, Emmanuel said he was left "terrified" when the fire broke out, but was able to pull himself together and take the necessary steps. 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. 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.” Emmanuel was given a Cavell Star Award for "remaining calm under pressure" and "helping to protect both the patient and colleagues by acting quickly in the moments after the fire broke out." Karen Sheard, the hospital's director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, hailed Emmanuel as "the very best of our profession". 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 Emmanual part of our team." The incident also led South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust to issue a warning about the dangers posed by smoking and vaping in hospitals. Jim Charlton, the hospital's fire safety and security manager, said the incident demonstrates why patients and visitors are asked not to smoke. 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 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." The Cavell Star Award recognises those who demonstrate exceptional care, dedication and commitment to patients and colleague in the NHS.