How to Use a Cravate on Shoulder Injury

A cravate is a large triangle of cloth used primarily to splint musculoskeletal injuries. One of its best uses is splinting shoulder injuries by creating a sling to focus the weight of the arm on the neck instead of the shoulder. A second cravate can be used to enhance the splint by creating a swathe around the body. These two splints together form a "sling and swathe" splint. The cravate is named for a decorative cloth worn around the neck much like a tie. This decorative cloth evolved into the cravate now found in military first-aid kits around the world.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cravates

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Instructions

• 1

  Unfold one cravate completely. Slip the cravate under the forearm of the injured shoulder and assist the injured individual bend his elbow to a 90-degree angle. The long side of the triangle should be at the hand up to the fingers and the 90-degree angle point should extend past the elbow.

• 2

  Pull the tips of the cravate up and behind the injured person's neck and tie a square knot to make a sling. Remember right over left and then left over right to tie a square knot. Adjust the knot so that the forearm stays at a 90-degree angle and the weight of the arm supported by the cravate, not the shoulder. This is the sling.

• 3

  Unfold the second cravate lengthwise only and tie it around the person's body and injured arm. This will splint the arm against the body and restrict movement of the injured shoulder. The cravate should be placed horizontally just above the forearm across the upper arm and tied in a square knot where the injured person can reach the knot with his uninjured arm. This is the swathe.

• 4

  Pin or tie the excess material at the 90-degree point of the triangle at the elbow to create a "pocket" for the elbow. This will assist in proper placement of the splint when reapplying.