Proper Body Positioning for Anaphylaxis

anaphylaxis
Written By Red Sneakers

It’s important to know how to position a person having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Why?

Because at the time of anaphylaxis, blood pressure can drop rapidly. This fall in pressure reduces the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart and can cause the person to become unconscious.

Laying the person flat during anaphylaxis helps blood flow to the heart, which helps improve blood pressure. Standing or walking can make anaphylaxis worse by causing blood pressure to drop.

🚨Follow this protocol when an adult or child is experiencing anaphylaxis:

👉 Lay the person flat with legs elevated

👉 If unconscious, lay the person on their left side (recovery position)

👉 If breathing is difficult or if they are vomiting, have the person sit up (slowly) with legs outstretched on the floor.

👉 Hold children flat, not upright, if they are unconscious

👉 Do NOT allow the person to walk or stand, even if they appear to have recovered

👶 HOW TO POSITION A BABY
Hold the baby across your body, face up (cradling the baby in your arms), making sure their body is not upright.

🤰HOW TO POSITION A PREGNANT WOMAN
Place the woman in the recovery position on her left side to help protect circulation to the baby —or— she can sit with her legs outstretched on the floor.

Source: https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/positioning

Red Sneakers

Dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of food allergies through educational programs, community outreach, and advocacy.

https://redsneakers.org
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