What should you instruct a bystander to do if an AED is located 3 minutes away from an unresponsive adult?

When dealing with an unresponsive adult who may require an AED, ensuring timely access to the automated external defibrillator is crucial. Instructing a bystander to retrieve the AED from a location that is 3 minutes away is essential because defibrillation is a critical step in the chain of survival for a victim of cardiac arrest. The sooner defibrillation can be provided, the better the chances of survival, as it can restore a normal heart rhythm effectively.

While starting CPR immediately is important, if a qualified individual can retrieve the AED quickly, this step is crucial alongside your simultaneous effort in performing CPR. Checking for a pulse may delay the process unnecessarily, as time is of the essence, and performing rescue breathing alone without defibrillation may not be sufficient if the heart is not beating effectively. Therefore, ensuring that someone is sent to get the AED while CPR is being started achieves the best immediate response in an emergency situation.

In summary, instructing the bystander to get the AED enhances the chances of survival for the unresponsive adult and aligns with emergency response protocols.