How to Make a Shoulder Sling From a Bed Sheet

Shoulder slings are used when an arm or shoulder has suffered a break, fracture or dislocation. Sheets make good slings, since they are easy to cut and the soft, flexible fabric can hold an injured limb without causing more harm. Treat wounds such as cuts before putting the arm in the sling. If necessary, use a splint to stabilize the injured limb or shoulder as well.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Sheet

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Instructions

• 1

  Start with a rectangular piece of sheet that is 5 feet by 3 feet. Working lengthwise and diagonally, cut a triangle to create the base for your sling. This size will fit most adults. You can use smaller dimensions for children. If you do not have scissors handy, you can create the triangle by folding.

• 2

  Insert the patient's elbow at one corner of the triangle. If using a folded sheet, place the elbow on the folded, top corner. Lay her wrist midway along the bottom edge of the triangle.

• 3

  Raise the other two triangle ends -- the two not supporting the elbow -- upward, around and back, behind the injured shoulder. Adjust the height of the arm by pulling the sheet ends gently until the arm is bent at a right angle. Tie it securely in a knot at the top of the shoulder, holding the elbow's bend in place.

• 4

  Secure the sling further, if necessary, by wrapping additional long strips of sheet around the sling and the patient's chest, so the sling is held close to the body.

• 5

  Check the arm occasionally for comfort and fit. Loosen the knot if bruising or redness appear or if the patient complains that the sling feels too snug.