Arc Staff Rescues Choking Resident
Life-Saving Response: Staff Rescues
Choking Resident at Arc Caddo-Bossier
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SHREVEPORT, LA - July 16, 2025 - When dinner time turned serious at The Arc Caddo-Bossier's Hoyte Community Home, three dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) sprang into action to save a beloved resident's life. Their quick thinking and skilled response prevented what could have been a tragic outcome and exemplified the extraordinary care provided daily by staff of The Arc Caddo-Bossier's community homes, residential houses where groups of 6-8 men or women with developmental disabilities live and enjoy actives lives together.
A Routine Evening Becomes a Life-Saving Moment
At dinner time on Wednesday, July 9th, 55-year-old Trey B., a resident with disabilities, who has called The Arc Caddo-Bossier home for more than 32 years, began choking on his meal. What happened next showcased the professionalism, training, and dedication of three remarkable DSPs who have devoted decades of their lives to caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Georgia Carter, who has served The Arc Caddo-Bossier for nearly 25 years, recalls, "I turned around and looked towards Trey sitting at the table, and I noticed he was in distress". Without hesitation, she ran to Trey's side and began administering back blows.
Malcolm Cannon, an 18-year veteran DSP, immediately took over. "I attempted to help him, and he was starting to go down. His body weight was like dead weight, and we were attempting to keep him upright," Cannon explained. Working alongside Assistant House Manager Rasheeda Means, who has been with The Arc since 2000, the trio moved Trey to the adjacent living room to continue the Heimlich maneuver and the other life-saving efforts, following their training.
Training Put to the Test
The three direct support professionals remained calm and focused and demonstrated the value of their extensive training in CPR, first aid, and emergency response. Carter called 911 while Cannon and Means continued working with Trey, adding the emergency operator's instructions to encourage coughing. With the support of 911 operator on the line and instinct and training at play, the team’s persistence paid off and the large piece of food that had been blocking Trey’s airway dislodged, offering immediate relief as color returned to his face and his breathing normalized.
"At The Arc Caddo Bossier, the safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority. We take great pride in our staff for their unwavering commitment, ongoing dedication to training, and their ability to respond effectively in emergency situations." says Deborah Hill, The Arc Caddo-Bossier's Director of Community Homes
More Than Just a Job - A Calling
For these three DSPs, saving Trey's life was more than professional duty - it was family caring for family. "I've been here 18 years, and the guys have become like family. It doesn't seem like a client-staff relationship. I've become close to all of them," Cannon shared.
Carter echoed this sentiment: "My kids are grown, so while these are not my kids, I can't go more than two days without seeing them."
"At The Arc Caddo Bossier, the safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority. We take great pride in our staff for their unwavering commitment, ongoing dedication to training, and their ability to respond effectively in emergency situations." says Deborah Hill, The Arc Caddo-Bossier's Director of Community Homes
About Trey
Trey has been a cherished member of The Arc Caddo-Bossier family since March 26, 1993. Known for his love of sports, particularly volleyball and kickball, Trey has a special fondness for all holidays, with Halloween and his birthday being particular favorites. He participates in the Conly Day Program and brings joy to those around him with his enthusiastic spirit.
"Trey is a very lovable person. He smiles a lot," Carter described.
A Legacy of Care and Innovation
The Arc Caddo-Bossier opened the first community home in Louisiana in October 1977. This innovative approach proved that there could be alternatives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that would allow those who lived there to thrive. Today, The Arc Caddo-Bossier currently owns and operates eight community homes throughout Northwest Louisiana, serving more than 50 people with around-the-clock care.
Kristen Powers, Executive Director of The Arc Caddo-Bossier, takes the responsibility of carrying the torch of this legacy very seriously and is proud of the continued work of the organization to serve people in this unique and innovative way. “Our Community Homes meet each individual's needs through person-centered plans customized to every person who lives in one of our homes,” says Powers. “This incident exemplifies how well-trained, dedicated staff make this personalized care possible. We are so grateful to have caring, talented, experienced professionals like Rasheeda, Malcolm and Georgia on our team!”
Join Our Team of Heroes
The heroic actions of Carter, Cannon, and Means highlight the critical need for skilled, compassionate DSPs in our community. We are committed to offering the program's services through a skilled and competent staff of direct support professionals (DSPs), managers and supportive administrators.
Being a DSP is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives every single day. Our DSPs receive comprehensive training in CPR, first aid, de-escalation techniques, and person-centered care. They help residents with daily living skills, accompany them to community events, and provide the love, support and empowerment that enables people with disabilities to live fulfilling lives in their own homes.
"Most of all, everybody can't do the type of work that we do," Carter noted, highlighting the special calling required for this profession. The Arc Caddo-Bossier is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join our team of DSPs. If you're looking for meaningful work that makes a real difference, we want to hear from you.
About The Arc Caddo-Bossier
The Arc Caddo-Bossier promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Since 1954, The Arc Caddo-Bossier has been a vital resource for people with disabilities in Northwest Louisiana, offering community homes, employment services, children's programs, and advocacy.
For more information about career opportunities as a Direct Support Professional, contact J.D. Stewart, Human Resources Director, at 318.221.8392, ext. 227 or jstewart@thearccaddobossier.org or visit our Careers Page.
The Arc Caddo-Bossier does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.
Contact Information:
Casey Jones
Director Marketing and Communications
cjones@thearccaddobossier.org
o: (318)-425-8978 ext. 292
The Arc Caddo-Bossier: Building Unlimited Opportunities for People with Disabilities