A conductor with Northern has received praise for his quick response to a medical emergency involving a baby on board a train.
In January, Jane Griffiths was traveling with her partner and six-month-old son, Austin, from Knottingley to Hebden Bridge when they noticed something was wrong. A tube draining fluid from Austin’s brain came loose and began leaking.
Conductor James Hallett immediately stepped in, offering reassurance to the couple. He provided bandages to help stop the leak and a foil blanket to keep the baby warm. The parents then contacted Leeds Children’s Hospital, where they were advised to bring Austin in for emergency treatment.
“I was panicking, my partner was panicking, and the baby was crying, but James calmed us down,” Jane said. “He couldn’t have done more. His quick thinking really helped us get it together.”
After getting off the train at Leeds Station, the family took Austin to the hospital, where he received treatment and is now recovering at home.
Grateful for James’ help, Jane nominated him for a Pride of Britain Award. “If James hadn’t reacted so quickly, it could’ve been a very different situation,” she said. “We wanted to show our appreciation, and a box of chocolates just wouldn’t cut it.”
Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern in Yorkshire, praised James for his actions, saying, “We’re incredibly proud of James for stepping up in such a difficult situation. It’s a reminder that our conductors do more than check tickets—they’re here to support and keep our passengers safe.”
Related topics:
