How To Use Triangular Bandages

Triangular bandages are one of the most underrated parts of a first aid kit, that can have multiple uses in emergency situations.

What are triangular bandages used for?

Triangular bandages can be used for a number of things in different situations. The most common use is for a sling, but they can also be used to elevate a leg injury, or in emergencies be turned into a tourniquet.
 

Using a triangular bandage as an arm sling

Image of a triangular bandage being used as a sling

Possibly the most recognisable use for a triangular bandage would be an arm sling. This is where the bandage is used to immobilise and elevate the arm to protect the injury.
 
When using an arm sling it is important to ensure that there is still circulation going to the tips of the fingers. You can do this by pressing down on either the fingernails or any other accessible area of the hand until they turn pale and waiting two minutes for the colour to return.
 

How to make a sling

  1. If the casualty can help, have them support their arm while you slide the bandage underneath it. Keep the point of the triangle by the elbow while the top end goes over the shoulder.
  2. Fold the lower end of the bandage up to meet the top end. This will hold the arm in place.
  3. Tie the bandage ends together on top of the shoulder and tuck in any loose ends if needed.
  4. The sling needs to span from the elbow to the end of their little finger. Once this is achieved, secure the end of the bandage by the elbow, either through twisting and tucking the excess fabric or using a safety pin.

How to use triangular bandages for leg injuries

Image of a triangular bandage being used for leg injuries

You may not realise that a triangular bandage can also be used to support leg injuries. This can be done in several ways, such as:
 

Securing a splint

In an emergency when you need to immobilise a broken or fractured limb immediately you can create a splint out of an available rigid item, or even the other leg, and a triangular bandage.
 
When using a rigid item as a makeshift splint, make sure that there is one on either side of the injured limb and wrap the bandage around these to tie them in place. You will need to find a point where the triangular bandage is tight enough that the items will not shift but not tight enough to cut off circulation.
 
Where you are unable to find a suitable object to use in the creation of a splint, you are able to use the other leg. This can be done by placing some padding in between the two limbs and using a couple of triangular bandages to secure the legs together.
 

Ankle Sprains

While a triangular bandage is not the best bandage to use, it can be used to aid in the recovery process of a sprain. More information on which type of bandage should be used to support a sprained ankle can be found here.
 
This can be done by folding the triangular bandage several times; once with the tip of the triangle to the long edge and the second fold in half in the same direction. The bandage is then strong and broad enough to support the ankle while elevating it.
 
If you are using the triangular bandage to elevate an ankle sprain, make sure to keep an eye on your circulation in a similar way to how you would check on an arm in a sling.
 

Using a triangular bandage as a tourniquet

Image of a triangular bandage being used as a tourniquet

To help stop extreme blood loss, a tourniquet can be applied, but when you do not have one available a triangular bandage can be used as a substitute if you are trained.
 

How to use a triangular bandage as a tourniquet:

  1. Fold the bandage until it is about 5cm wide.
  2. Wrap the bandage around the upper arm or leg, above the joint and tie it in a knot.
  3. Find something that can be tied over the knot that is hard, sturdy and long enough that you can turn it once it has been tied on. For example, you could use a metal fork or a strong stick.
  4. Begin to twist this object in the same direction to reduce blood flow, it will likely cause the person with the injury to feel some pain.
  5. Once the blood flow has stopped, you have turned the object enough to be able to secure it in place.
Do not loosen or remove the tourniquet until a medical professional is there.
 

Treating a head injury with triangular bandages

Image of a head injury

Triangular bandages can be used in emergency situations to help dress a head injury, although normally the job would be done with a bandage that is easier to stretch and is more flexible.
 
You would do this be placing the appropriate dressing onto the wound, for example a burn wound dressing, then use the triangular bandage to wrap around the head and hold the dressing in place. Make sure to leave the bandage as loose as possible to make it more comfortable.
 
Read Bandages vs Dressings: What’s the Difference? to learn when to use dressings as opposed to bandages and why.
 

Include triangular bandages in your first aid kit

A triangular bandage can be used in a number of situations, so it is always best to have one in your first aid kit and ensure that it is in date with undamaged packaging.
 

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Read our other blogs for more information on first aid or contact us for further advice and information on our products.