Final answer:
To find out if a person's heart is beating, check the pulse at the carotid artery, which is located on the side of the neck. This area is used because the artery is near the surface and easy to palpate, which is crucial in emergencies for procedures like CPR.
Step-by-step explanation:
To check if the victim's heart is beating, you should locate the carotid artery to feel for a pulse. The carotid artery is found in the side of the neck. You can palpate this artery by placing the tips of your fingers on the neck just below the angle of the jaw, pressing gently. This artery is used for this purpose because it is close to the body surface, making it easier to find and feel. Correct pulse measurement is critical, especially in emergency situations such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when the heart stops, and immediate action can save a life by maintaining blood flow to essential organs like the brain.