How to make a sling

Alternative names:

sling-instructions

First aid:

1. Care for all wounds first before applying a splint.
   
   
2. To make a triangular sling, cut a triangle out of a piece of cloth that measures approximately five feet wide at the base and at least three feet long on the sides. If the sling is to be used by a child, the size can be reduced
   
   
3. If no cloth is available from which to cut a triangular pattern, you can make a sling from a coat or a shirt. Apply the sling in much the same manner as shown in the pictures associated with this text. You can also fashion slings from belts, ropes, vines, or sheets.
   
   
4. If the injured arm should be immobilized, tie the sling to the body with another piece of cloth wrapped around the chest and tied on the uninjured side.
   
   
5. Occasionally check for tightness and loosen the sling if necessary.

Do not:

• DO NOT make any attempts to realign an injured body part unless it appears as though circulation is impaired (pale or blue skin, numbness or tingling, loss of pulses).

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• The victim has a dislocation, broken bone, or if there is severe bleeding.
• You cannot completely immobilize the injury at the scene by yourself.

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial