How do you check for consciousness in an unresponsive person?

To assess consciousness in an unresponsive person, the recommended method is to tap their shoulders and shout. This approach is effective because it combines both tactile and auditory stimuli, which can help elicit a response from the individual. Shouting in a clear and loud manner ensures that you are attempting to engage them at a level that can stimulate their awareness. The combination of physical contact and verbal encouragement is a practical approach to determine if the person is responsive.

The other methods, while they might lead to some form of assessment, do not effectively evaluate consciousness. Gently shaking someone may not adequately wake them or inform you about their state of awareness. Checking their breathing and looking for a heartbeat are important for other life-threatening situations, primarily in the context of life support; however, they do not provide direct information about consciousness. These actions may be more relevant after confirming whether the person is responsive or not.