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We are now going to look at the elevated sling. Now this is to immobilise an arm. Maybe it is been injured. In this example we have got a cut to the wrist. We need to keep it up in a position where it keeps safe from damage, where he can rest his arm. And also being up at this angle, it is hopefully going to help a little bit for the bleeding as well. So the first thing we do is just have a look through, make sure everything's okay, the dressing's on, there's no blood coming through it. And what we'll do is we'll open up this and the triangle bandage we are using. This particular one is what they call a calico or it is a material type. There are paper versions as well, which you get in most first aid kits. How you put 'em on this exactly the same. Here is a triangular bandage. You've got one 90 degree corner and 245 degree corners. So to start with, you wanna hold the 90 degree corner. All you would want to do to start with is just tie a knot in it. The reason for that is just to secure it onto a corner of his elbow. So we are going to put the 90 degree corner here with a knot on, just on the outside. So we are going to lay that up there. Tuck the material underneath. And we are just gonna bring this bit here around the outside. And then just make sure it is all tucked underneath. Tucked underneath the hand. And at the back, we are just going tie it in a simple knot. Once you've put the knot in, just double check to make sure that it is all underneath here. Because that's what's actually holding the hand in place. We'll leave the stomach exposed. We can just squeeze it and do a quick capillary refill check just to make sure that there's still blood flow coming through the hand. And it is not that the sling or the bandage is causing any problems. Once you've done that, check this side, check this side and then, that's all okay. And we can then transport the patient.
Applying an Elevated Sling for Arm Injuries
Learning how to apply an elevated sling is crucial for immobilising an injured arm. This guide will walk you through the process of using a triangular bandage to create an elevated sling, particularly useful for injuries such as a cut to the wrist.
Assessing the Injury
Before applying the sling, ensure the injury has been assessed, any dressing is secure, and there is no excessive bleeding.
Preparing the Triangular Bandage
Use a triangular bandage, available in calico or paper versions. Start by identifying the 90-degree corner and tying a knot for elbow support.
Application of the Elevated Sling
Position the bandage so that the knotted corner sits at the elbow. Tuck the material under the arm and bring the bandage around to secure the arm in an elevated position.
Securing and Adjusting the Sling
- Ensure the bandage is tucked under the hand and around the arm.
- Tie the bandage at the back in a simple knot.
- Adjust the sling to ensure comfort and security without restricting blood flow.
Final Checks and Transportation
Perform a capillary refill check to ensure blood flow is not hindered. Confirm that the sling is comfortably supporting the arm before transporting the patient.
Proper application of an elevated sling is a key skill in first aid, offering support and comfort to individuals with arm injuries.