---
title: "Assisted Living Locators’ Advisors Heroically Save a Life in Scottsdale Restaurant"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/c2141bd7-e98b-4f0c-ab23-a1f7eceb4f68
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20231122_assisted_living_locators_advisors_heroically_save_a_life_in_scottsdale_rest.html
category: "Senior living"
industry: "Senior Care"
segment: "Senior living"
published: 2023-11-22T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:44.922Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1551836022-deb4988cc6c0?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Assisted Living Locators’ Advisors Heroically Save a Life in Scottsdale Restaurant

**TL;DR:** Assisted Living Locators' advisors Dustin Baker and Rachel Wasserstrom saved a life in a Scottsdale restaurant by performing a successful Heimlich maneuver on a choking diner. The incident showcased the quick action and teamwork of the advisors, who are part of the Assisted Living Locators team.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2023-11-22. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20231122_assisted_living_locators_advisors_heroically_save_a_life_in_scottsdale_rest.html).*

## Story

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - In a display of quick action and teamwork, two Senior Living Advisors from Assisted Living Locators turned heroes at a Scottsdale restaurant. Dustin Baker, Owner/Senior Living Advisor of Assisted Living Locators East Valley, and Rachel Wasserstrom, Owner/Senior Living Advisor of Assisted Living Locators Scottsdale, saved the life of a choking diner at Montauk Restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale on the afternoon of November 15, 2023.

The incident occurred during a business lunch with corporate colleagues when Rachel Wasserstrom noticed Suzy Kuperschmidt, a fellow diner, in distress across the patio. Alerting Dustin Baker, who had his back to the incident, they quickly approached Suzy, where a good Samaritan was unsuccessfully attempting the Heimlich maneuver. Dustin, leveraging his experience as a former United States Army combat medic during Operation Iraqi Freedom, took over and performed a successful Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the food blocking Suzy’s airway.

Rachel Wasserstrom’s immediate response to assist by removing the obstruction from Suzy’s mouth was also instrumental in the rescue. The pair's quick thinking and decisive actions calmed Suzy, who experienced an anxiety attack following the near-fatal incident. Their comforting presence helped her recover from the traumatic experience.

Angela Olea, RN, Founder and Brand President of Assisted Living Locators, expressed her admiration and gratitude: “The bravery and quick response shown by Dustin and Rachel exemplify the core values of Assisted Living Locators. Their actions not only saved a life but also highlighted the deep commitment our team has to the welfare and safety of our community. We are incredibly proud to have such exemplary individuals representing our brand.”

This act of bravery and teamwork by Dustin Baker and Rachel Wasserstrom not only saved Suzy Kuperschmidt’s life but also highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and the inherent caring nature of the Assisted Living Locators team.

Dustin Baker’s and Rachel Wasserstrom’s heroism is a shining example of the commitment to community care and safety that Assisted Living Locators embodies. We are proud to have such compassionate and capable individuals as part of our team.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Senior Care (sector)
- senior care (topic)
- Assisted Living Locators (company)
- Angela Olea (person)
- Scottsdale (location)
- emergency response (topic)
- Dustin Baker (person)
- Rachel Wasserstrom (person)
- Suzy Kuperschmidt (person)
- Montauk Restaurant (company)
- franchise heroes (topic)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20231122_assisted_living_locators_advisors_heroically_save_a_life_in_scottsdale_rest.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/c2141bd7-e98b-4f0c-ab23-a1f7eceb4f68).