Eating is a social event. Whether it’s a night out with friends or an evening at home enjoying family dinner, conversation goes well with food. But what if, in the middle of laughter and big bites, someone suddenly began to choke? Would you know what to do? Choking is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate recognition and action to prevent rapid loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest and death. The actions of bystanders are often a major factor in the outcome of a choking incident.