British Airways senior cabin crew member Melanie Whitten will be giving advice and demonstrations in the Meadows Shopping Centre on Saturday (May 3) from 10am to 4pm.
Ahead of a nationwide tour, the 49-year-old from Great Baddow, said: "In the 18 years I've been a cabin crew member I've had so many experiences where people could have died in the air and on the ground without first aid knowledge and training."
The mum-of-one is being supported by the airline in her venture which she hopes will equip people with the knowledge and confidence to act when required.
"We're constantly seeing on television people like Vinnie Jones trying to bring first aid to the forefront because without it, the survival statistics are horrendous," she said.
"People are afraid to get involved when first aid situations arise but it's better to do something than nothing.
"Any age group can do it but I don't think it's being taken seriously."
At the demonstration, Melanie will show people various first aid techniques such as CPR, the recovery position and the Heimlich manoeuvre for choking.
She will be using adult, child and baby mannequins, giving people the chance to try it out themselves.
Melanie, who holds a Health and Safety Executive qualification in first aid, added: "About 15 years ago an elderly man fell in Epping.
"He had hit his head and was lying halfway in the road and I saw everyone walk past him – I took him home and he had serious concussion and was bleeding.
"Something like CPR takes minutes to learn and people will be able to have a go and be able to see what to do when required.
"It's a conversation I want to have across the country."
Melanie wants to hear people's experiences of how first aid has helped them. Call 07810 283676 or email m.whitten@btinternet.com
