Emergency advice

Arm sling:

  1. Support the injured arm.
  2. Place the bandage the under arm.
  3. Meet the ends by the shoulder of the injured arm and tie.
  4. Secure the sling and check circulation.

What to do

  1. Arm sling - point of triangle should be underneath elbow, with long side under the hand

    Ask the casualty to support their arm with their other hand. Gently slide the triangular bandage underneath the arm. The point of the triangle should be underneath the elbow of the injured arm. Bring the top end of the bandage around the back of the neck.

  2. Arm sling - fold lower end up over the forearm to the neck, same side as injury

    Fold the lower end of the bandage up over the forearm to meet the top of the bandage at the shoulder of the injured side.

  3. Arm sling - tie two ends together in reef knot

    Tie the two ends of the bandage together in a reef knot above their collar bone and tuck in the free ends.

  4. Arm sling - adjust the sling to support the arm all the way to their little finger

    Adjust the sling so that it supports their arm all the way to the end of their little finger.

  5. Arm sling - twist and tuck in edge of bandage by elbow

    Make sure that the edge of the bandage by the elbow is secured by twisting the fabric and tucking it in, or using a safety pin to fasten.

  6. Arm sling - check circulation in fingertips

    Check the circulation in their fingertips every 10 minutes. Press their nail for five seconds until it turns pale, then release to see if the colour returns within two seconds.

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An elevation sling is different to an arm sling. It supports the casualty's forearm and hand in a raised position.

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