Just a quickie - for a few years now (in the UK at least) first aiders do not check for a pulse. Instead, the signs for breathing discussed above and a general check of patient complexion/blueness around the lips (etc) indicate that there is/is not circulation.
The reason for dropping the pulse check was that a significant number of people were very poor in finding one when it was present - so if you didn't find it, was the problem you, or the lack of circulation?