A WARWICK nurse who saved a passenger’s life mid-air while still a student has won a prestigious award.
Isobel Corrie who now works for South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, won the Patient’s Choice category of the RCNi Nurse Awards after saving a man’s life at 38,000ft, shortly before her graduation.
The Wootten Wawen resident was among six finalists chosen from scores of nurses nominated by the public for making an enormous difference to their lives.
She was nominated by James Birch, who went into cardiac arrest while travelling back to the UK from Thailand last year.
The former student, who was due to graduate the following week before starting her job as a nurse at Warwick Hospital, was asleep when the emergency unfolded.
She was woken by the person sitting next her after a call over the tannoy for anyone with medical experience. Isobel leapt into action and carried out CPR, and ran the emergency response in cramped conditions for 45 minutes until the aircraft could land.
James is delighted her courage and professionalism has been recognised. He said: “This brave young lady saved my life when it would have been easier to sit quietly and do nothing. Despite being on a plane, she did such a good job that I have very few consequences as a result.
“I am in no doubt whatsoever that had she not stepped forward I would not be here today. She deserves this award but it is nowhere near enough to express our eternal gratitude for what she did.”
The trust’s director of nursing Fiona Burton said she was ‘unbelievably proud’ of Isobel: “Her bravery and compassion is exactly what the nursing profession is all about.
“Even at the start of her career she has demonstrated what a dedicated nurse she is. Isobel is an asset to our trust so I am delighted she has been recognised for her courageous actions.”
The award is Isobel’s second this year. She also bagged a trust award after going the extra mile for a patient with autism. She was nominated by his mother who was unable to visit her son, who was unable to speak, because of covid restrictions.
The nurse said: “I remember that shift so clearly. I spent the whole day trying to connect with him, to communicate. It was challenging but the patient did really well.”
Speaking about her award, she added: “I’ve been really pleased to shine a light on newly qualified nurses in the media to say “we are here and we are doing our best”. We can feel a bit in the background.
“There have been lots of ward situations and amazing people but I feel so satisfied and proud about what I do. I use all my skills. Nursing is such a fantastic job.”
