Choking occurs when a solid object, such as a piece of food, a small toy, or a balloon, blocks the passage that allows air to the lungs. Young children are particularly at risk for choking because of the small size of their air passages, inexperience with chewing, and a natural tendency to put objects in their mouths. With a mild blockage, a child can speak, cough, and gag. A mild blockage can typically be cleared by coughing. Encourage a child with a mild blockage to cough forcibly. Stay close and be ready to take action if things worsen. If blockage continues, activate EMS. When a severe blockage occurs, a child cannot pull in outside air to create a cough forceful enough to dislodge the object. Help from a bystander is required to save the child’s life.