A nurse has been recognised for his courage, professionalism and quick thinking after a fire believed to have been sparked by a patient vaping broke out on a hospital ward.
Emmanuel Ndubuisi is a registered nurse at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. He has been awarded the prestigious Cavell Star Award. It celebrates nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants who go above and beyond in their roles to deliver exceptional care and support.
The award recognises Emmanuel’s actions during a serious fire incident at a patient’s bedside at Sunderland Royal Hospital last August. A fast response from Emmanuel and his colleagues prevented what could have become a far more serious situation. It highlights how he quickly brought the fire under control by turning off the oxygen supply, protecting the woman from further harm.
The patient sustained burns to her head in the incident, which needed hospital treatment. It is believed the fire started after the patient had been vaping while receiving oxygen therapy.
Reflecting on receiving the award, Emmanuel 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.”
On the day ward staff acted immediately, turning off the oxygen supply and using a fire extinguisher to put out the flames before they could spread. The heat and fumes from the fire also activated the ward’s fire alarm system.
In what could have been a highly distressing and dangerous situation, Emmanuel remained calm under pressure and helped protect both the patient and colleagues by acting quickly in the moments after the fire broke out.
Karen Sheard is the Trust’s Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals.
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 Cavell Star Award recognises those who demonstrate exceptional care, dedication and commitment to patients and colleagues.
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