If a bystander is available while you are performing CPR on an unresponsive adult, what should you instruct them to do when an AED is located 3 minutes away?

In the context of CPR and AED use, the priority is always to ensure that effective chest compressions are being performed without interruption. Instructing the bystander to retrieve the AED while simultaneously initiating CPR is the most effective approach.

By sending the bystander to get the AED, you ensure that the patient receives essential CPR immediately, which is critical for maintaining blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs. The three-minute timeframe to retrieve the AED means every second counts, and by directing the bystander to fulfill this role, you minimize the duration without defibrillation, assuming that the patient requires it.

Meanwhile, you continue administering high-quality CPR. This dual approach ensures that while help is coming in the form of the AED, the patient is not left unattended and continues to receive life-saving chest compressions. This coordination maximizes the chances of survival given the scenario.