Heroically saved by a medical technician, a patient set herself on fire in a hospital bed.

A medical technician saved a patient’s life after a fire broke out in a hospital bed due to a faulty vaping device. The incident occurred at Royal Sunderland Hospital during the night, when a woman, whose name has not been disclosed publicly, used an electronic cigarette while connected to oxygen therapy. The combination of the device and the oxygen supply led to a rapid and intense fire that spread through her bed within seconds. The situation escalated quickly, creating chaos on the ward. Medical technician Emmanuel Ndubuisi acted swiftly, rushing into the thick smoke to shut off the oxygen supply and extinguish the flames using a fire extinguisher. His quick response prevented further harm to the patient, who suffered burns to her head but received immediate medical attention. Photos taken after the incident show the intensity of the fire, leaving behind damaged bedding and equipment. Ndubuisi was recognized with a national award for bravery following the incident, which took place in August. He described the moment as terrifying, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and swift action. “I was covered in smoke and shocked. This recognition is a great honor and motivates me to give my best for our patients and colleagues every day,” he stated. He was awarded the Cavell Star, recognizing his calmness under pressure and protection of others during the fire. Karen Sheard, head of nursing, midwifery, and related health professions at the hospital, expressed pride in the incident. “This is a powerful example of the values of our Trust in practice. Emmanuel represents the best of our profession and reminds us why we are proud to work in healthcare and inspires all of us to strive for excellence,” she said. Following the alarming event, the management of the NHS South Tyneside and Sunderland Trust reiterated warnings about the dangers of smoking and vaping inside hospital premises. Jim Charlton, the fire safety manager at the hospital, emphasized the necessity of these precautions. “This shocking incident clearly shows why we ask our patients and visitors not to use e-cigarettes inside our buildings. We do this to ensure everyone's safety,” they warned. Charlton noted that the hospital had recorded eleven incidents related to vaping and six involving traditional smoking in just six months prior to the fire. He praised the staff on the ward for their prompt reaction, stating that they successfully cut off the oxygen supply and extinguished the fire. He added that the case would serve as a real-life example of the risks involved. Experts in fire safety have highlighted the danger posed by oxygen, which can make clothing, bedding, and hair highly flammable. In such environments, even the smallest spark can lead to a fire that spreads rapidly and burns at higher temperatures than expected. The issue with e-cigarettes lies in their lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and explode, producing exactly such sparks. This incident is not isolated, as data from the United Kingdom indicates a rise in fires caused by e-cigarettes by over thirty percent in 2025.