Mother praises Northern conductor for helping baby during medical emergency

A mother has praised a conductor working for Northern after he reacted quickly to help her baby during a medical emergency.

Jane Griffiths was travelling with her partner and six-month old son Austin in January when she realised something was wrong.

A tube which had been fitted to drain excess fluid from her son’s brain came loose and began leaking.

Conductor James Hallett stepped in to reassure the couple. He also got them some bandages to try and stop the leak and a foil blanket so they could keep the baby warm.

The parents then contacted the nearest Hospital and said they needed to bring Austin in for emergency treatment.

“James didn’t have to do what he did that morning, but I’m so grateful that he did,” Jane said. “He couldn’t have done anymore.  

“I was panicking, my partner was panicking and the baby was crying but James calmed us down so we could get ourselves together and ring the hospital.

“He then ran up the carriage to get the first aid kit and a blanket to keep my baby warm. It was very reassuring.”

The couple got off the train and took Austin to the hospital for treatment. After undergoing several procedures, he is now recovering at home.

Jane contacted Northern, which runs regional railway services including through Ilkeston Railway Station, to thank James for his assistance after the incident and decided to nominate him for a Pride of Britain Award. 

She said: “Austin is home now, settled and healing well, but if James hadn’t reacted so quickly it could’ve been a very different situation. We really wanted to show our appreciation for James and we thought rocking up at the station with a box of chocolates for him just wouldn’t cut it.”

Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern, said: “We’re incredibly proud of James for stepping up to help the family deal with a difficult and distressing situation. I’m really pleased to hear that Austin got the help he needed and is now recovering at home with his family.

“Incidents like these show that our conductors, who are on board every service, are not just there to check tickets. They provide support and assistance to millions of passengers every year and work hard to keep them keep them safe.”