Member saves passenger's life
CHICAGO -- A Chicago rail commuter is thankful that a UTU member with emergency response training, good judgment and an unflappable disposition happened to be the conductor on duty one afternoon last October.

A Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Suburban train was departing Chicago's Union Station October 28 when conductor Mary Jones of UTU Local 171 in Aurora, Ill., was informed that one of the passengers needed medical attention.

When Jones reached the passenger, she noticed her face was purple and she was struggling for air. A former licensed respiratory therapist prior to beginning her railroad career, Jones assessed the situation and immediately performed the Heimlich Maneuver, dislodging a breath mint that had become stuck in the passenger's throat.

"Mary's quick actions saved a life, thanks to her own good judgment and a lot of training," said Les Onak, a trainmaster at BNSF's Suburban Operations. "All of our conductors and engineers receive certification in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver for both adults and infants."

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