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Teacher Saves Student's Life with Quick Heimlich Maneuver

1/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Valerie Hodge, a McClure Middle School teacher, performed the Heimlich maneuver on seventh-grader Dalton Tomberlain, saving his life.
Tomberlain described realizing he was choking, saying he could not breathe and was turning blue.
His mother, Courtney, expressed gratitude for Hodge's quick action, stating the outcome could have been tragic.
Dalton thanked Hodge in a video shared by the Cobb County School District, underscoring her crucial role.

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Story summary

Valerie Hodge, a McClure Middle School teacher, performed the Heimlich maneuver on seventh-grader Dalton Tomberlain, saving his life.
Tomberlain described realizing he was choking, saying he could not breathe and was turning blue.
His mother, Courtney, expressed gratitude for Hodge's quick action, stating the outcome could have been tragic.
Dalton thanked Hodge in a video shared by the Cobb County School District, underscoring her crucial role.