An arm sling is a device used to support and immobilize an injured arm, wrist, or shoulder, minimizing movement of the affected limb. Creating a temporary, homemade sling is a practical first-aid measure intended to stabilize the injury immediately following trauma. This stabilization can help reduce pain and prevent further damage while the person is transported to a medical facility for professional care. A homemade sling is a temporary solution, not a substitute for a comprehensive medical evaluation.
Gathering Materials and Preparing the Fabric
The most effective homemade slings are constructed from a large square or rectangular piece of non-stretchy fabric, which is then folded into a triangle. Suitable household materials include a large scarf, a clean pillowcase, a sturdy towel, or even a large shirt. For an adult, the longest side of the triangular fabric should ideally measure between five and six feet to ensure adequate length for tying behind the neck.
To achieve the proper shape, fold the square material diagonally in half to create the necessary triangle. If the material is a rectangle, fold it so that the longest edge becomes the base of the triangle, with the point, or apex, opposite the base. Using non-stretchy fabric is beneficial, as elasticity can allow the limb to move and potentially aggravate the injury.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tying the Sling
Begin by gently supporting the injured limb with the uninjured hand, positioning the arm across the body. Slide the prepared triangular fabric underneath the injured arm. Ensure the base of the triangle is parallel to the ground and extends past the hand, with the point positioned at the elbow.
Bring the upper end of the fabric, closest to the neck on the injured side, up and around the back of the neck to the opposite shoulder. Bring the lower end of the fabric, hanging below the arm, up over the forearm to meet the first end behind the neck on the uninjured side. This cradles the entire forearm within the material.
The two ends of the fabric are then tied together using a square knot, which is secure and less likely to slip. Position the knot above the collarbone on the side opposite the injury, away from the spinal column to avoid pressure. The sling’s point at the elbow should be twisted and tucked or pinned to secure the elbow and prevent the arm from slipping out.
Ensuring Proper Support and Positioning
The immediate assessment of the completed sling focuses on the arm’s angle and support provided. The forearm should be positioned so the elbow is bent at approximately a 90-degree angle, or slightly higher, allowing the forearm to rest parallel to the ground or slightly elevated. This raised position helps counteract gravity and prevents swelling in the hand and wrist. The fabric must fully support the hand, extending to the fingertips, ensuring the wrist joint is not bent or hanging down.
After the sling is secured, check the circulation in the fingers of the injured arm. Pressing on a fingernail until it turns pale, then releasing, is the standard method for this check. Color should return to the nail bed within two seconds; a slower return indicates the sling is too tight and restricting blood flow. Check the person for any numbness, tingling, or increased pain, which are signs of compromised circulation.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Immediate medical assessment is necessary following any suspected fracture, dislocation, or severe soft tissue injury. If there is a visible deformity of the limb, severe and rapidly increasing swelling, or if the person experiences numbness or tingling in the hand, immediate professional care is required. Unmanageable pain that persists even after the limb is stabilized also signals the need for urgent medical intervention.