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A large basic triangular bandage can be adapted for use as a sling or for folding as a broad or narrow bandage. These can be made by cutting a piece of material (approximately I meter x I meter) in half diagonally.
Broad Bandage
Broad bandages can be used for immobilizing limbs before transporting a casualty.
Using the triangular bandage, fold in the point towards the base of the bandage and then fold in half again.
Narrow Bandage
A narrow bandage can be used for securing a dressing in place, making a ring pad and for fixing a figure-of-eight bandage.
Using a triangular bandage, make a broad bandage as shown above and then simply fold in half again.
Roller Bandage
A roller bandage can be used to hold dressings in place or to provide support for joints. The larger the limb, the greater the width of bandage required.
To secure a dressing using a roller bandage you should:
1 Support the limb throughout the procedure.
2 Keep the roll of the bandage uppermost and work from the inside of the limb to the outside. Make two turns bet floor ness. winding the bandage along the limb in spiral motions.
3 Finish off with two turns and secure the bandage with type, a safety pin or by tucking in the loose end if neither is available.
4. Always check circulation to ensure that the bandage is not applied too tightly. The extremities of the limb (toes and fingers) are the best place to check.
Arm Sling
An arm sling should provide support for the forearm, elbow and wrist. It should be applied, so that the hand is slightly higher than the elbow and the fingertips are exposed. Always apply a sling with the casualty standing or sitting down and work from the injured side to provide more support.
1. Support the arm across the chest, ensuring that the hand is slightly higher than the elbow. Take a triangular bandage and slide the base underneath the forearm until the point of the bandage reaches well below the elbow.
2. Take the upper end of the sling. Place it around the shoulder on the uninjured side then take it around the back of the neck and then to the front on the injured side.
3. Take the lower end of the sling and fold it over the forearm and then tie it off in the hollow above the collar bone.
4. Take the point of the bandage and fold it forward onto the front, fixing it with a safety pin and ensuring that the casualty's fingertips are not covered so that you can check circulation.
Elevation Sling
An elevation sling should be used to support an injury to the shoulder or when a hand wound is bleeding. The aim is to raise and support the forearm and the hand.
1. Gently place the forearm on the injured side across the chest so that the fingertips are level with the opposite shoulder. Ask the casualty to support the limb if possible.
2. Place the base of a triangular bandage over the raised forearm and hand so that the upper end sits on the shoulder on the uninjured side and the point reaches beyond the tip of the elbow on the injured side.
3. Gently slide the base of the bandage underneath the elbow, forearm and hand.
4. Take the lower end of the sling and place it around the casualty's back and across to the shoulder on the uninjured side. Tie it off in the hollow of the collar bone and adjust if necessary.
5. Take the point of the sling and tuck it between the forearm and the front of the sling. This will leave a fold of material that can be pinned back against the arm.
When applying bandages and slings ensure that the casualty's circulation is not affected. If it is, adjust the bandage or reposition the sling until circulation has improved.
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