Heatstroke is an emergency. If someone exposed to heat becomes confused, loses coordination, has a seizure or collapses, call local emergency services immediately and begin cooling while help is arranged.

Do not wait for a thermometer reading, and do not assume sweating rules heatstroke out. You do not need a perfect diagnosis before acting on serious warning signs or a worsening condition.

Move the person to shade or a cool place if safe. Remove unnecessary outer clothing and cool their skin with water and fanning while following the emergency dispatcher's instructions and staying nearby.

Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, unconscious or unable to swallow safely. Tell emergency services if consciousness or breathing changes, and follow their instructions rather than leaving to buy supplies.

Milder heat-exhaustion symptoms still mean stopping activity and cooling down. Worsening or persistent symptoms need medical help. A thirty-minute reference is never permission to delay when emergency signs are already present.

Prepare before outdoor activities: save the location, know how to call local help and keep a charged phone accessible. After a serious episode, follow clinical advice before returning to exercise again.