How to Apply an Elevation Sling

A sling is a common treatment for an injured arm. An elevated sling differs from a traditional sling because it supports the arm above heart level to cut down on pain and swelling. It is also useful for a broken clavicle or dislocated shoulder. As the sling holds your arm in position, it allows the blood to flow and better repair the injury. You can either buy an elevation sling from your local pharmacy or make your own out of a scarf or any other strong piece of cloth.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth
• Safety pin

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Instructions

• 1

  Fold the cloth or scarf into a triangle. Lay it across the injured person so the long side is across the shoulders and the bulk of the triangle dangles onto the chest.

• 2

  Place the injured arm gently inside the cloth so it is bent at the elbow. Close the elbow side with a safety pin so the elbow is against the closed side of the sling while the fingers are peeking out of the open side.

• 3

  Raise the arm so it is elevated to about the level of the heart or above.

• 4

  Tie up the two ends of the sling near the neck to hold it in place. Tie the knot on the side of the neck rather than on the back of your neck to prevent injury.