How to Tie a Sling

Slings are a simple yet effective first aid treatment. Using a sling can support or elevate an injury, preventing you from further injury and aiding the healing process. Slings can be made from a variety of fabrics or materials, and they are quick and easy to fashion. In a pinch, you can also make your own out of an old shirt or belt if necessary. If an injury occurred to the hand, you can create an elevation sling to ease swelling and slow bleeding. After you have made the sling, seek medical help to ensure proper care is given.

Things You'll Need

• Square piece of cloth -- about 5 feet wide at the base and 3 feet long on the sides
• Additional piece of cloth
• Safety pin

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Instructions

Arm Sling

• 1

  Care for any wounds before placing the injured arm in a sling.

• 2

  Fold the square cloth into a triangle shape.

• 3

  Place the top point of the triangle underneath the person's elbow, ensuring the wrist lines up with the midpoint of the bottom edge of the triangle.

• 4

  Pull the end of the triangle that is near the front of the arm over the front of the injured or uninjured shoulder.

• 5

  Pull the other point of the triangle around the back of the same shoulder, bringing the points together.

• 6

  Tie the ends securely or pin them with safety pin.

• 7

  Wrap the additional piece of cloth around the chest and tied it on the uninjured side, if the arm needs to be immobilized.

Elevation Sling

• 8

  Place the injured forearm across the chest, with the fingers close to the shoulder on the uninjured side.

• 9

  Fold the square cloth into a triangle and place it over the forearm and hand so that its point is well beyond the elbow.

• 10

  Pull the top edge of the triangle across the injured arm and let the base hang down the center of the body.

• 11

  Hold the injured arm's hand at the top end of the triangle, close to the uninjured shoulder, tucking the end of the triangle under that wrist and hand.

• 12

  Bring your hand under the part of the sling hanging down the body and tuck it under the upper arm.

• 13

  Bring the end of the piece hanging down across the back and tie it and the other end so that it is oriented in the hollow above the collarbone on the uninjured side.

• 14

  Fold the corner of the triangle around the injured elbow, and secure the fold with a safety pin to the front of the sling.