A Nigerian nurse, Emmanuel Ndubuisi, has received a national bravery award after saving a patient’s life when she accidentally set herself on fire while attempting to vape in her hospital bed.
The incident occurred in August 2025 at Sunderland Royal Hospital in the United Kingdom, when a female patient in her 50s attempted to use an e-cigarette while connected to an oxygen supply, according to The Mirror.
The combination triggered a fire that engulfed the patient’s head, causing burns and threatening to spread through the hospital ward.
Ndubuisi acted immediately by disconnecting the patient’s oxygen supply before using a fire extinguisher to put out the flames, preventing what could have become a far more serious incident.
The patient sustained burns to her head and received further treatment but avoided more severe injuries due to the nurse’s swift intervention.
Photographs released after the incident showed the extent of the fire, with the oxygen mask and tubing melted and scorch marks visible on the floor of the hospital room.
Recalling the incident, Ndubuisi described it as one of the most frightening moments of his career.
“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,” he said.
Ndubuisi was presented with the Cavell Star Award in recognition of his courage, composure under pressure and decisive actions in protecting both the patient and hospital staff.
Karen Sheard, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, described him as “the very best of our profession”.
“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,” she said.
Following the incident, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust renewed its warning about the dangers of smoking or vaping in hospitals, particularly around oxygen equipment.
The Trust’s Fire Safety and Security Manager, Jim Charlton, said the incident highlighted the risks associated with using e-cigarettes near oxygen supplies.
“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.
“The staff on the ward where this incident happened are to be commended for their swift response. They turned off the oxygen and put out the fire with an extinguisher. All of those involved were fantastic,” he said.
The Cavell Star Award recognises NHS staff who demonstrate exceptional care, dedication and commitment to patients and colleagues.
