A pulse detector that uses electromagnetic waves for detecting a patient pulse in conjunction with the administration of defibrillation and/or CPR. Electromagnetic waves are applied to a patient blood vessel and the reflected electromagnetic waves are analyzed for a Doppler shift, which is indicative of a pulse. In some applications the pulse detector can be used as a stand-alone device in conjunction with the administration of CPR. In other applications, the pulse detector is included with a defibrillator and provides pulsatile information that is analyzed in addition to ECG information in determining resuscitation therapy, or following defibrillation to ascertain its success.