FIRST AID, BANDAGES AND SLINGS

 FIRST AID, BANDAGES AND SLINGS

SLINGS :-

Slings are used to support an injured arm, or to supplement treatment for another injury such as fractured ribs. have at least two of these bandages as essential items.

Although triangular bandages are preferable, any material, ex. tie, belt, or piece of twine or rope, can be used in an emergency. If no likely material is to hand, and injured arm can be adequately supported by inserting it inside the casualty’s shirt or blouse. Similarly, a safety pin applied to a sleeve and secured to clothing on the chest may suffice.

There are essentially three types of sling; the arm sling for injuries to the forearm, the St John sling 

for injuries to the shoulder, and the ‘collar-and-cuff’ or clove hitch for injuries to the upper arm and as supplementary support to fractured ribs.

On application of any sling, always check the circulation to the limb by feeling for the pulse at the wrist, or squeezing a fingernail and observing for change of color in the nail bed.

The Arm Sling                  

1. Support the injured forearm approximately parallel to the ground with the wrist slightly higher than the elbow.

2. Place an open triangular bandage between the body and the arm, with its apex towards the elbow.

3. Extend the upper point of the bandage over the shoulder on the uninjured side.

Generally, the most effective sling is made with a triangular bandage. Every first aid kit, no matter how small, should

4. Bring the lower point up over the arm, across the shoulder on the injured side to join the upper point and tie firmly with a reef knot.

5. Ensure the elbow is secured by folding the excess bandage over the elbow and securing with a safety pin.

St John Sling

1. Support the casualty’s arm with the elbow beside the body and the hand extended towards the uninjured shoulder.

2. Place an opened triangular bandage over the forearm and hand, with the apex towards the elbow.

3. Extend the upper point of the bandage over the uninjured shoulder.

4. Tuck the lower part of the bandage under the injured arm, bring it under the elbow and around the back and extend the lower point up to meet the upper point at the shoulder.

5. Tie firmly with a reef knot.

6. Secure the elbow by folding the excess material and applying a safety pin, then ensure that the sling is tucked under the arm giving firm support.

‘Collar-and-Cuff’ (Clove Hitch)

1. Allow the elbow to hang naturally at the side and place the hand extended towards the shoulder on the uninjured side.

2. Form a clove hitch by forming two loops — one towards you, one away from you.

3. Put the loops together by sliding your hands under the loops and closing with a “clapping” motion. If you are experienced at forming a clove hitch, then apply a clove hitch directly on the wrist, but take care not to move the injured arm.

4. Slide the clove hitch over the hand and gently pull it firmly to secure the wrist.

5. Extend the points of the bandage to either side of the neck and tie firmly with a reef knot.

6. Allow the arm to hang comfortably. Should further support be required, ex. For support to fractured ribs, apply triangular bandages around the body and upper arm to hold the arm firmly against the chest.

ROLLER BANDAGE

Roller bandages are long strips of material which are rolled up for easy use.  They come in different widths and material. 

Roller Bandages: Gauze or Cotton Roller Bandage

Gauze and cotton bandages are non-conforming. This means that they do not stretch, and will not mould around the part of the body to which they are applied. Non-conforming bandages do not stay on very well. If you have both types of bandage in your first aid kit, it is best to use the conforming bandages first. Roller Bandages: Conforming Roller Bandage Conforming bandages are designed to stretch. This allows them to mould to the shape of the parts to which they are applied. Conforming bandages can be used on their own to provide support to an injured joint or muscle.They can also secure pads and dressings, when this is necessary to control bleeding

Applying Roller Bandages

All roller bandages should be applied in the following manner.
1.  Hold the bandage so that the head or rolled part is on top and the tail is pointing inward.
2.  Pass the rolled part from hand to hand, allowing it to unroll as you go. Make sure that each turn overlaps the last by two thirds of its width.
3.  Fasten the end with tape or tuck the end in and check that the b andage is not too tight.