BANDAGES AND SLINGS

Types of bandages:

  • Crepe bandages – used for sprains, fractures & pressure bandage.
  • Conforming bandages – used for holding dressings in place.

How to use a roller bandage:

  • With the tail of the bandage, place it over the limb and roll up and continue to unwind the bandage over the limb.
  • Overlap the bandage each time.
  • Secure the bandage end with tape or tuck the end into the bandage.
  • Check the colour of the skin after bandaging. Loosen bandage if discolouration has occurred or the casualty complains of increased pain because of the bandage.
  • When applying the bandage, ask the casualty if the bandage is too tight. Check the extremities for colour & warmth.
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How to fold a triangular bandage:

Triangular bandages are used for slings, pads or bandaging.

  • Fold the triangular bandage in half, and this makes a broad fold bandage.
  • Fold the triangular bandage in half again and this is called a narrow fold bandage.

Slings are used for:

  • Supporting an injured arm or wrist.
  • Immobilising fractures.
  • Elevating to control external bleeding.

What can be used as a sling?

  • Shirts
  • Belts
  • Material
  • Jumper
  • Rope
bandages and slings

How to apply an Upper Arm sling:

This sling is used for injuries to the upper arm, including the collarbone, shoulder or ribs, add an additional narrow bandage.

  • Position the arm across the body with the hand near the opposite shoulder.
  • Place the triangular bandage under the arm with the apex at the elbow.
  • Fold the lower half of the bandage over the arm.
  • Twist the bandage firmly at the elbow and bring the twisted bandage around the back.
  • Twist the bandage around the hand and over the uninjured shoulder and tie the ends together using a reef knot on opposite side of the injury and place a pad under the knot.
  • Check the bandaged arm for circulation.

How to apply a Lower Arm sling:

  • This sling is used for injuries to the lower arm, including the wrist and hand.
  • Place the arm across the chest and slightly raised.
  • Place the triangular bandage between the arm and the body with the
  • apex pointing towards the injured elbow.
  • Bring the lower half of the bandage up and over the injured arm.
  • Tie the ends together with a reef knot on the uninjured side & place a pad under the knot.
  • Tape, tie or pin at the elbow.
  • Check the injured arm for circulation.
  • Ensure the arm is not sloping downwards as this will increase swelling and pressure.

How to apply a Collar and Cuff sling:

This sling can be used for dislocated shoulder, fractured ribs, or a fracture of the upper arm.

  • Make a clove hitch (dp) using a narrow fold bandage.
  • Put the loops over the wrist of the injured arm.
  • Gently elevate the injured arm against the casualty’s chest.
  • Tie the bandage ends together around the neck on the uninjured side using a reef knot, place a pad under the knot.
  • For extra support apply a broad bandage below the fracture site over the arm & around the body.