How to Make a Sling

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How to Make a Sling: First Aid

1. Care for all wounds first before applying a splint or sling.
2. To make a triangular sling, cut a triangle out of a piece of cloth that measures approximately 5 feet wide at the base and at least 3 feet long on the sides. Alternatively, a large square piece of cloth can be folded diagonally into a triangle. If the sling is to be used by a child, the size can be reduced.
3. To place the sling, put the victim's elbow at the top point of the triangle, and the wrist midway along the triangle's bottom edge. Bring the two free points up around the front and back of the same (or opposite) shoulder, and pin or tie together. Adjust the height of the knot so the the elbow is bent at a right angle.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Occasionally check for tightness, and adjust the sling as necessary.