Final answer:
To assist in an opioid emergency, one should administer naloxone, call for emergency services, perform CPR if necessary, and stay with the individual until help arrives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It acts quickly to restore breathing in a person whose breath has slowed or stopped as a result of overdosing on opioids. While naloxone is a critical tool, it has limitations such as a short duration of action and the need for parenteral administration. Therefore, it is vital to call emergency services for ongoing medical support.
Performing CPR can be essential if the person is unresponsive and not breathing, as opioids can cause respiratory depression that leads to death. Additionally, it is important to remain with the individual to provide reassurance and comfort, and to protect them from any further harm until emergency services take over.