Elevation sling
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How to Apply an Elevated Sling for Arm Injuries
Introduction to the Elevated Sling
An **elevated sling** is used to immobilise an arm, particularly when there is a cut or injury that requires the arm to be kept still to control bleeding. This guide will show you how to correctly apply an elevated sling, ensuring the arm is properly supported and blood flow is maintained.
Types of Slings
There are different types of slings available. **Paper slings** are basic and lightweight but not suitable for use as a tourniquet. **Material slings** are more versatile and can double as a tourniquet if needed. For this demonstration, we are using a paper-type sling, which opens into a triangular bandage.
Step 1: Preparing the Sling
To start, identify the three corners of the triangular bandage: two 45-degree angles and one 90-degree angle. **The 90-degree angle** will be positioned at the elbow. To create a pocket for the elbow, tie a small knot at the 90-degree corner.
Step 2: Applying the Elevated Sling
Follow these steps to apply the elevated sling:
- Ask the person to raise their injured arm so that it rests on their shoulder.
- Place the sling under the arm, ensuring the knot is positioned at the elbow.
- Wrap the ends of the sling around the back of the neck and tie a secure knot, such as a reef knot, to hold the sling in place.
- Ensure the hand is fully supported by the sling, and tuck in any excess material for comfort.
Step 3: Checking Circulation
After securing the sling, it is important to **check the circulation** in the injured arm. To do this, gently squeeze the person’s thumb until it turns white, then release. The colour should return to pink within a few seconds, indicating good blood flow. If circulation is impaired, adjust the sling to reduce pressure.
Final Considerations
The **elevated sling** is an effective way to immobilise an injured arm, especially when dealing with cuts or bleeding. Proper application and regular circulation checks ensure the arm is stabilised without compromising blood flow. Once the sling is in place, the person can be safely transported to a hospital for further treatment.