How to Apply a Sling

You may find yourself in a situation where someone has injured their arm and you need to apply a sling. Injuries to an arm such a dislocation or fracture will need to have a sling. This helps immobilize the arm and prevents a person from accidently moving the arm which may cause pain and further the injury.

Instructions

• 1

  Find material to use as a sling. If you have a first aid kit it may have material that is intended for slings or a bandage that can be used. If you don't have a kit any piece of clothing will do. It can be torn and made into a sling.

• 2

  Position the arm. Have the injured person rest their arm on their abdomen. If it's possible and does not cause injury allow them to bend their arm at the elbow. The elbow should be at a ninety degree angle. Keep in mind don't do anything that causes extreme pain.

• 3

  Fold the sling into a triangle. Place the sling between the injured arm and the person's body. The elbow should rest on the apex of the sling.

• 4

  Pull one free end of the sling up over the opposite shoulder of the injured arm. Take the other end of the sling and drape it over the injured arm and up over the same shoulder. Tie the sling in a loose knot at the back of the neck.

• 5

  Adjust the sling as needed for comfort. The wrist should be slightly higher than the elbow. Keep the fingers exposed which will allow you to check for movement.

• 6

  Check the pulse on the wrist of the injured arm. You need to determine that there is adequate circulation in the arm.