Warwick nurse who saved a fellow passenger’s life mid-air while still a student wins prestigious award

A nurse who saved a fellow plane passenger’s life at 38,000ft while still a student has won a prestigious award.

Isobel Corrie, who now works for South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, won the public vote for the Patient’s Choice category of the RCNi Nurse Awards 2020.

Isobel was one of six finalists chosen from scores of nurses nominated by members of 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 a holiday in Thailand with his partner in 2019.

Isobel, who was on the same flight, was looking forward to her graduation from Oxford Brookes University the following week and then starting her first job as a qualified nurse at Warwick Hospital.

She was fast asleep but woken by the person sitting next her, who told her there was an emergency on board and there had been a call over the tannoy asking for anyone with medical experience.

Putting herself forward, Isobel carried out CPR and ran the emergency response in cramped conditions for 45 minutes until the diverted aircraft could land.

Now, James is delighted Isobel's 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."

South Warwickshire Trust’s Director of Nursing Fiona Burton says she is ‘unbelievably proud’ of Ms Corrie.

"Her bravery and compassion is exactly what the nursing profession is all about," she said. "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."

Isobel said: "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."

Glen Burley, Chief Executive at South Warwickshire NHS Trust said: “Izzy is a well-deserved winner, she is a huge inspiration and has gone above and beyond.

"To win this significant award, as well as winning our internal staff award, all within her first year of being a qualified nurse, shows that she is a true asset to healthcare, with the patient always being at the heart of everything she does.”

James and Isobel marked significant milestones during the period of the public vote – the first anniversary of James' cardiac arrest and Isobel’s completion of her first year as a registered nurse.

She celebrated her anniversary at work, in the gastrointestinal surgery department at Warwick Hospital.

"I wouldn’t have it any other way. It felt like a milestone. You never know what might happen – what might come through your door," said Isobel. "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."

The award is Isobel's second this year – she has already won a trust award for going the extra mile with a hospital patient, having been nominated by the mother of a patient with autism.

Isobel said: "He had been admitted to the ward I work on, which was very traumatic for him.

"He was non-verbal and his mum was not allowed on to the ward – because of Covid-19, visitors were only allowed at end of life.

"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."