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Arm Sling Techniques

When a friend or family member injures an arm with a break or sprain, provide support right away by making a sling from items you have in your house, car or even on your back. Supporting the arm provides pain relief, encourages blood circulation and helps prevent further injury. No special supplies are needed; just common items you already own.

  1. Before Applying the Sling

    • Before immobilizing an arm with a sling, it is important to attend to cuts, abrasions and other types of bleeding. If you suspect a broken bone, apply a splint to immobilize the arm by placing the arm on a rigid surface like a ruler or rolled up newspaper, and wrapping the arm loosely with gauze. If a broken bone protrudes through the skin, also known as a compound fracture, the patient requires immediate professional medical attention. Carefully elevate the arm, and use caution to avoid further injury, explains Medline Plus. Compound fractures carry a risk of patient shock, severed blood vessels and a life-threatening loss of blood.

    Triangle Sling

    • Slings are usually made from fabric that is sturdy enough to immobilize the arm and large enough to wrap around the patient's shoulder for support. You need a piece of cloth approximately 40 inches square, notes Harvard Medical School. If you are away from home, cut or rip a shirt, jacket or other piece of fabric. Fold the square in half, creating a triangle. Place one end of the triangle on the patient's shoulder, with the rest of the triangle lying against his chest. The center point of the triangle should point toward the left side of the body if the left arm is injured, or the right side if the right arm is injured. The other end of the triangle should point down. Arrange the injured arm, bent across the chest at the elbow, on top of the triangle with the hand higher than the elbow. Raise the bottom point of the triangle up and over the outside of the arm, toward the opposite shoulder. Tie the two triangle ends together at the neck, and adjust for comfort.

    Alternative Sling

    • Create a substitute sling from belts, stockings, ties or other flexible items long enough to support the arm, suggests Family Education. Place one end of the support on the shoulder opposite the injured arm with other end pointing down the chest. Arrange the arm across the chest as with any other sling, and wrap the item over the outside of the wrist and up to the opposite shoulder. Secure at the neck. Use a second item in the same manner to support the elbow.

    Other Safety Measures

    • Check the patient often to be sure his fingers are not turning blue or becoming cold, which is a sign of loss of circulation. Loosen the sling or bandages as necessary. If the patient appears to be in shock, it is vital to keep him still and warm him with blankets, jackets, newspaper or anything else available. Shock warning signs include cool, moist skin, weak pulse, pale color, shallow breathing, confusion and unconsciousness.

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