The ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis includes the following infographics that show the correct and incorrect positioning of a person having anaphylaxis.

When a person has anaphylaxis their blood pressure can drop rapidly, which reduces blood flow to the heart. Laying the person flat will help blood flow to the heart which improves blood pressure, whilst standing can make anaphylaxis worse by causing blood pressure to drop.

A new animation has been developed as part of the National Allergy Strategy, which explains:

• How to position a person having anaphylaxis, including when giving the adrenaline (epinephrine) injector.
• Why it is important that a person having anaphylaxis does not stand or walk.

The animation is available at www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/positioning