How to Know When to Apply a Sling

An arm sling is used to immobilize and support an injured arm. Most first aid kits contain at least one sling made from a square of muslin cotton cloth. However, if you don't have a sling handy, you can make one from objects you have on hand.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine which part of the arm has been injured. It could be an injury to the shoulder, elbow or wrist, or the bones or muscles of the upper arm or forearm.

• 2

  Inspect the injured arm for bleeding. You should not apply a sling to an arm until you have the bleeding under control.

• 3

  Find out if the victim or anyone near him heard a snapping or popping sound at the time of injury. If so, it is possible that a bone has been fractured or a tendon or ligament torn or dislocated, in which case a sling is indicated.

• 4

  Move the arm gently and slowly into the "sling" position to see if the person's pain increases. If so, a sling may not be the preferred method of immobilizing the arm. If the pain is reduced or stays the same when the arm is placed in the sling position, applying a sling is indicated.