As thousands of Australians embark on their European summer holidays, many will be swapping Melbourne's winter chill for temperatures exceeding 40°C across parts of Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Germany. This year's European heatwave has triggered widespread health alerts, travel disruptions and warnings from health authorities as record-breaking temperatures continue across the continent.

Recently, London Ambulance Service (LAS) had 7,900 calls in one day, all heat related, and ambulance crews responding to nearly 3,600 patients in a single day.

While sightseeing, beach days and outdoor dining are synonymous with a European summer, extreme heat can quickly turn a dream holiday into a medical emergency. Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can affect anyone, particularly travellers spending long days outdoors, walking between attractions or standing in queues under direct sunlight.

Why the heat is different in Europe

Many Australians are familiar with hot weather, but European heatwaves can present unique challenges.

Large cities such as Rome, Paris, Madrid and Athens often experience "urban heat island" effects, where concrete, buildings and limited green spaces trap heat well into the evening. In addition, many older hotels, apartments and historic buildings may not have air conditioning, making overnight recovery difficult.

Authorities across Europe have recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C in several countries, with some regions experiencing prolonged periods of extreme heat and overnight temperatures remaining unusually high.

St John Ambulance Victoria's top tips for staying safe

St John Ambulance Victoria reminds travellers that prevention is the best defence against heat-related illness.

Stay hydrated

Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip regularly throughout the day, particularly when sightseeing or using public transport.

Alcohol and excessive caffeine can contribute to dehydration, so moderation is important during hot weather.

Plan your day around the heat

Where possible, schedule outdoor activities for the early morning or evening and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11am and 4pm.

Use this time to visit museums, galleries, cafés or other air-conditioned venues.

Dress for the conditions

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colours and a wide-brimmed hat. Sunglasses and broad-spectrum sunscreen are also essential, even on cloudy days.

Seeking shade whenever possible can significantly reduce heat exposure.

Take regular breaks

Long walking tours and sightseeing itineraries can increase the risk of heat-related illness. Build breaks into your schedule and use cooling centres, public buildings or shaded parks to escape the heat.

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses

Early recognition can prevent a more serious emergency.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses may include:

• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness or fatigue
• Cool, pale or clammy skin

If someone is experiencing heat-related illnesses, St John Ambulance Victoria recommends:

1. Follow DRSABCD
2. Lie them down in a cool, shaded place.
3. Strip as much of their clothing as possible
4. Cool them quickly by soaking with any available water, using fans, cool packs, or damp cloths on the neck, armpits, and groin.
5. If they are conscious, give small sips of cool water.
6. If they don’t improve within 10 minutes, call local emergency (112 universal emergency number across all European Union countries, which connects to police, ambulance and fire services) straight away.

Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly and is life-threatening, so if symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek medical attention.

Before you leave Australia

Travellers should check weather forecasts regularly, review local safety alerts and ensure travel insurance covers medical treatment overseas. Those with chronic health conditions, older travellers, pregnant women and families with young children should take extra precautions, as these groups face a higher risk of heat-related illness.

Europe's iconic landmarks, beaches and cultural experiences remain as appealing as ever, but travellers should be prepared for a hotter and more challenging summer than many may expect. With a little planning, awareness and a few simple first aid measures, Australians can stay safe, healthy and make the most of their European adventure.

St John Ambulance Victoria encourages all travellers to familiarise themselves with the signs of heat-related illness before departure, because knowing first aid can make all the difference, whether you are at home or overseas.