A broad arm sling is used to stabilise an arm injury. This form of a sling can even be used for minor chest injuries. When the sling is applied accurately, the victim's hand should hang slightly higher than their elbow. Using a broad bandage is easy to apply and can help a victim immobilise their injury prior to receiving help. It is important to seek medical attention for the victim once you've successfully applied the sling.

  • A broad arm sling is used to stabilise an arm injury.
  • Using a broad bandage is easy to apply and can help a victim immobilise their injury prior to receiving help.
Even a shirt can be used.

Take a piece of cloth or shirt and form a triangle with the material. Bandages found in a first aid kit can also be applied.

Gently place the victim's injured arm at a 45 degree angle. Take the bottom of the sling and slide the victim's forearm through the sling. The top triangular point of the sling should be facing the victim's chest.

Take the opposite ends of the sling and place the ends around the victim's neck. Wrap the ends of the sling around the victim's uninjured side. If you have pins available, use the pins to hold the sling in place.

  • Gently place the victim's injured arm at a 45 degree angle.
  • Take the opposite ends of the sling and place the ends around the victim's neck.
Watch for poor circulation.

According to the website Health Disease, allow the victim's fingers to stick out of the sling. Ensure that the victim's circulation is not suffering. Poor circulation includes numbness and tingling of the fingertips, colour changes (blue or reddening of the fingertips) or the fingertips becoming colder.

TIP

When you make a sling, the forearm, elbow and wrist should be comfortably supported. Remove any jewellery from the victim's fingers to prevent swelling from occurring. A tight application of a sling will increase chances of swelling of the injured arm. Have the victim seek immediate medical attention to properly set the injury.

WARNING

Don't constrict the sling too tightly around the victim. Ensure that the sling can hold the injury comfortably.