How to Make an Arm Sling

When you're in the middle of the wilderness, it can be tricky tending to wounds and injuries. Whether you're back-country camping or hiking in the rain forest, keep these directions in your pack, just in case. You can make an arm sling that will keep your injury stable and ease the pain until you can get proper help.

Things You'll Need

• Stick
• Duct tape
• Large piece of material

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Instructions

• 1

  Pack duct tape always. Its versatility can save you from blisters and fractures--and everything in between. It is especially handy for making an arm sling if the victim needs extra immobilization.

• 2

  Find any material available that is big enough to wrap around the bottom of your forearm and up around the neck. A bandana isn't quite big enough, but a second bandana tied around the neck adds enough length to keep your arm at a comfortable level. T-shirts and towels are also good options.

• 3

  Bend your injured arm at the elbow. Hold your forearm close to your body, parallel with the ground.

• 4

  Create a triangle with the material. Slide the triangle in between the arm and the body. The top point of the triangle should be turned sideways so that it is at the elbow, but allow it to extend past the elbow a couple inches, if possible.

• 5

  Place a sturdy stick, the length of the forearm (from elbow to mid-palm), under the forearm. Duct tape it into place to keep the wrist immobile.

• 6

  Hold the tip of the triangle that is now pointing upwards. Lay it over the opposite shoulder from the injured arm. Bring the bottom tip of the triangle up so it now cradles the stick and arm. Join it together with the other tip, and tie behind the neck.

• 7

  Tie the extra flap of material that is behind the elbow into a knot to keep your elbow from sliding out.