Final answer:
When faced with a suspected opioid overdose where the victim is unresponsive with no pulse, the immediate action is to begin CPR and continue until an AED or emergency medical personnel arrive. Naloxone should be administered as soon as it's available to reverse the effects of the overdose.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you encounter an unresponsive person suspected of an opioid overdose, immediate action is critical due to the risk of fatal respiratory depression. After a colleague has activated the emergency response system and is obtaining an AED and Naloxone, the most appropriate action for you to take next is to begin CPR. This involves providing chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute and ensuring that rescue breaths are provided if you're trained in ventilation techniques. This care should continue until the AED arrives and can be used, or until emergency medical personnel take over.
It is important to note that opioids, such as hydrocodone, can lead to severe respiratory depression and potential overdose. Naloxone, often known by its brand name Narcan, is an opioid-overdose antidote that rapidly reverses the effects of opioids, helping the person wake up and resume breathing until further treatment is possible. However, naloxone's effects are temporary, and medical treatment should be sought immediately.