How to put on a sling | Arm Sling & Elevation Sling | First Aid | iHASCO

A sling is used to stop the casualty’s arm moving and to protect an injured upper arm, wrist or forearm so it can heal.

A sling may also be used to signify to other people that they are injured.

This video will demonstrate how to make an arm sling and an elevation sling.

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COURSE TRANSCRIPT

A sling is used to stop the casualty’s arm moving and to protect an injured upper arm, wrist or forearm so it can heal. It’s also a useful warning to others that someone has an injury so they should be careful around them.

There are two types of sling, an arm sling and an elevation sling. An arm sling is used for upper arm injuries, wrist injuries and rib injuries to hold the arm in a horizontal or slightly raised position. An elevation sling holds the arm in a higher position, with the casualty’s fingertips touching their shoulder. This type of sling is used to support the arm, control bleeding and to reduce swelling.

To make an arm sling, this is what to do:

* Stand beside the elbow of the injured arm.
* Ask the casualty to support their injured arm with their other hand.
* Gently slide the triangular bandage under their arm and over their shoulder, with the longest edge parallel to their body and the tip of the bandage sticking out past the elbow of their injured arm.
* Gently bring the end which is over their shoulder behind their neck to the opposite shoulder.
* Take the bit that’s hanging down, over their arm and up to meet the other end at their shoulder.
* Tie the ends together at the hollow above their collar bone and tuck in the ends.
* Adjust the sling so that it supports the whole of their arm all the way to the top of their little finger.
* Twist the tip by their elbow until it fits snugly around their elbow and tuck it in or safety pin it.
* Check their circulation by squeezing their finger nail for 5 seconds – when you let go the colour should return within 2 seconds. If it’s too tight, loosen the bandage and sling and tie them again. Keep checking every ten minutes.

To make an elevation sling, this is what to do:

* Stand beside the elbow of the injured arm.
* Ask the casualty to support their injured arm, so their fingertips touch their shoulder.
* This time lay the triangular bandage over the injured arm, again with the long side parallel to their body and the tip of the bandage by the elbow of their injured arm.
* Wrap the bandage underneath their injured arm and take it diagonally across their back to meet the other end at their shoulder.
* Tie the ends at the shoulder of their uninjured arm and tuck in the ends.
* Twist the tip by their elbow until it fits snugly around their elbow and tuck it in or safety pin it.
* Remember to check their circulation every 10 minutes.

[paulatiredofthisshit]

I'm glad I found these specific instructions! Everyone shows you the arm but not the hand. Unless it's someone who wants you to buy a sling.

[tytig]

Why you calling those patients casualties?! The sling can't be so bad they die.