Final answer:
In an opioid-associated life-threatening emergency where the victim is unresponsive and not breathing, the rescuer should immediately call for emergency help and begin CPR. They should also administer naloxone if available and trained to do so. CPR should continue until help arrives or the victim revives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Administering Aid in an Opioid-Associated Emergency
If a rescuer finds that a victim is unresponsive, is not breathing normally, and has no pulse, the immediate action to take is to call for emergency services and commence with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). In the case of a suspected opioid overdose, it is vital to administer naloxone (Narcan) as soon as possible, which can rapidly reverse the effects of opioids. It is also important for the rescuer to ensure their own safety by assessing the environment for any potential threats or hazards before providing aid.
Since the victim is not breathing and has no pulse, the rescuer should initiate CPR, providing high-quality chest compressions to manually pump blood through the heart to the rest of the body. Naloxone should be administered to the victim if it is available and the rescuer is trained in its use. Naloxone can be a life-saving antidote in opioid-overdose situations as it can help the person wake up and resume breathing until professional medical treatment is received.
If the rescuer is alone, it is recommended to perform CPR for a short period before leaving the victim to call emergency services if a phone was not immediately available. Continue providing CPR until medical professionals arrive or the person shows signs of life, such as breathing. It is vital to act quickly as brain damage, and subsequent brain death, can occur within minutes of oxygen deprivation.