How do you determine unconsciousness in an adult?

• A. Tap shoulder and ask "are you okay"
• B. Shout "Hey wake up"
• C. Check for a pulse
• D. Look for signs of movement

Answer: (A)

Determining unconsciousness hinges on responsiveness. The quickest way to check an adult is to gently tap the shoulder and ask, “Are you okay?” This combination uses touch and a direct question to reveal whether the person can respond and is aware of their surroundings. If there’s no response, you treat them as unconscious and proceed with urgent help and subsequent checks.

Shouting may awaken some people but isn’t as reliable for confirming consciousness and can be ineffective for someone who can’t hear or is very unresponsive. Checking for a pulse doesn’t tell you whether the person is conscious, it only indicates circulation. Looking for movement isn’t a dependable indicator either, since an unconscious person may not move, or may only show reflexes. The tap-and-ask test directly assesses consciousness.