Teacher’s Quick Thinking Saves Choking Student During Lunch

What started as a routine December day at a Georgia school quickly turned into a life-saving emergency.

At McClure Middle School, a 7th grader found himself choking and unable to breathe. A teacher saw this and quickly went into action, saving the child's life. Both the student, his mom, and the teacher share their perspective on what happened.

A Sudden Emergency

The student, Dalton Tomberlain, was eating when he realized he was in serious trouble. "I was eating a burger, and I felt a soreness in my throat, and I couldn't breathe," Dalton recalled.

Mrs. Hodge noticed Dalton gesturing toward his throat and rushed to assist. After he signaled that he could not breathe, the severity of the situation became clear. "From what I understand, he was turning blue and couldn't breathe," said Dalton’s mother, Courtney.

Action Without Hesitation

Hodge relied on training she received years ago at a daycare center to perform the Heimlich maneuver. "I didn't really even think, I just reacted. I saw a student who was in trouble and asked if he needed help, and just went into action," Hodge said. Her quick response cleared Dalton's airway and prevented a potential tragedy.

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A Lasting Bond

The Tomberlain family expressed immense relief and gratitude for the teacher’s courage. "I'm really thankful. She saved my life," Dalton said.
Though Dalton was never a student in her classroom, the two now share a unique connection. Reflecting on the event, his mother added, "I'm glad she was there to take care of my son, and he was able to come home from school that afternoon."