How to Make a Sling For a Broken Arm

Accidents don’t tell and warn ahead. If only they can.  They just happen in any second or minute or hour in an unexpected time. It is important then that we know some first aid methods to whatever pain there is. By doing this, we put a high probability of survival to us or for the one/s affected.

In disasters like earthquakes, typhoons or even tornados, damages are very evident and wide thus, requiring great effort of help. One thing it can bring is ailing or injuring people.  Bruises or getting a break in parts of the body is likely to happen to those people affected.

Here is a  step-by-step method on how to provide first aid to an injury, making a sling for the arm just in case that handy arm got broken.

1. Find some cloth to make the sling with. The cloth you choose will need to be at least 40 inches (1 meter) square. Consider the flexibility and ‘stretchiness’ of the cloth because your arm will be putting weight on the sling and you don’t want it to be too stretchy. If needed, cut the cloth to about 40 inches square (1 meter square). A good suggestion is to use linen from your bed, such as a sheet or a pillowcase. If cutting these items, be sure they’re no longer wanted for regular use as linen.
2. Fold the cloth in half diagonally to make a triangle. Alternatively, cut it into this shape if easier.
3. Take off your rings, bracelets and any other jewelry that can become caught up in the sling. More importantly, an arm in a sling can swell if injured and such items can constrict the swollen area.
4. Slip one end of the bandage under your arm and the other over your shoulder. Your arm should be positioned for comfort, which is usually folded across your chest. The cloth should be situated so that about half is above the elbow of the injured arm and half below.
5. Bring the other end of the sling over your other shoulder and lift up the bottom end so that it is cradling the injured arm.
6. Tie the ends of the sling behind your neck. (Be sure to avoid the hair at your nape). If the knot is uncomfortable, insert a small pad under it. The knot can be used to adjust the height of the sling’s positioning.
7. Secure the edge of the sling, near the elbow, with a sturdy safety pin. Check that the hand can still be seen sticking out the end of the sling. The hand is important as it gets checked for circulation and sensation.

You don’t have to have a broken bone to wear a sling. You might have muscular injuries that cause pain when moved or need to keep an arm guarded against bumping by making a very visual signal to others. Whether you’ve broken or injured your arm, a sling can make a difference in your day-to-day life.

Source: www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Sling-for-Your-Arm

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