To check for a heartbeat, what should you look for?

When checking for a heartbeat, the focus is on signs of circulation, which effectively indicates that the heart is functioning and blood is being pumped throughout the body. A heartbeat is a crucial indicator of whether circulation is adequate, reflecting that oxygenated blood is flowing to vital organs and tissues.

While signs of movement, awareness, or consciousness may provide some information about a person's overall state, they do not specifically confirm whether the heart is beating. Circulation pertains directly to the cardiovascular system's functionality, which is essential for life and health assessment in emergency situations. Thus, assessing circulation is the correct approach when determining if a heartbeat is present.