How to make a quick sling for an injured person

In an emergency situation, you may need to make a quick sling with limited resources. Here are some tips to help you.

If your first-aid kit doesn't have a sling, you can support an injured arm with a triangular bandage. Treat any wound before applying a sling.

1. Place the arm across the body with the hand slightly above the elbow and thumb uppermost. Handle with great care if you suspect a break. Slide a triangular bandage between the arm and chest so that the corner opposite the longest edge of the bandage is behind the elbow of the injured arm. Take the top corner around the back of the neck to the front of the shoulder on the injured side.
2. Carefully support the site of the injury with soft padding, such as a towel. Then bring the bottom corner of the bandage up and over the injured arm. Tie it to the top corner using a reef knot just over the hollow in front of the shoulder.
3. Twist the excess fabric at the elbow so that the sling fits snugly around the joint, then tuck the twisted end into the fabric. The weight of the arm in the sling will then hold the twisted end in place.
4. Monitor the fingers to check they aren't turning pale or blue. Check the pulse and ask the casualty about any tingling — if there are signs of loss of circulation, loosen the sling.

If the casualty is wearing a jacket, this will serve very well as a support for the injured arm.

For an injury to the forearm, hand or wrist:

• Undo the jacket's fastenings.
• Ask the casualty to support the injured arm as you bring the hem up and over, ensuring that the elbow is supported.
• Fasten the hem to the jacket with safety pins.

For an upper-arm injury:

• Gently unzip or unbutton the jacket a little way down from the top.
• Slide the casualty's hand into the jacket opening and, if you're unsure of the solidity of the zipper or buttons, fasten beneath it with safety pins.

Consider these tips the next time you need to make a quick sling and remember to visit the hospital if you suspect a break. Your sling might help in a hurry, but it's not an alternative to professional medical care.