BARGAIN-hunters in Bath on Saturday can pick up life-saving skills along with their shopping.

A team of healthcare professionals, led by Senior Sister Natalie Cooper from the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, will be demonstrating basic life support to teach people what to do in a medical emergency.

Natalie, who’s worked in the RUH Emergency Department for more than 10 years, was inspired to organise the event after the death of a family member last year.

She will be joined on the day by colleagues from the RUH and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) to provide hands-on expertise.

Sister Cooper said: “After a family member died, I asked my parents if they would know what to do in an emergency situation such as a cardiac arrest. They both said no and that they would love the chance to learn some basic lifesaving skills.

“I want to empower the local community to enable them to respond in an emergency situation by sharing some lifesaving skills with them. I’ve saved lives as part of my job and it’s an incredible feeling. It’s just nice to know you did everything you can to save a life in an emergency situation, whatever the outcome.”

On Saturday, the medical team will be giving demonstrations of how to give cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), put someone in the recovery position, treat choking children and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

There will also be role plays, resuscitation dummies to practice on and an expert team on hand to answer any questions.

SWASFT paramedic Craig Wilkins said: “I am delighted to be involved in this event, all of us taking part are excited to share the skills we have with the public. It will be a relaxed, friendly environment and I’d encourage anyone to take this opportunity to learn skills that one day might save a life.

“We all hope to never need to perform CPR, but chances are if we do it will be to those closest to us. We want to improve survivability by enhancing the vital first minutes of an emergency by empowering people in these simple skills. It's really very easy to help save a life and this day is the ideal way to get hands on and discuss your concerns with us.”

The free event will be held in the main outdoor area in SouthGate outside the Apple store between 10am and 4pm. It is a drop-in event with no booking required.

Donations are welcome on the day with proceeds going to British Heart Foundation, Stickler Syndrome and Wiltshire Air Ambulance