What Is a Triangular Bandage?
A triangular bandage is a large sheet of cloth in the shape of a right-triangle. These bandages are non-sterile and are not suitable for directly covering wounds. These bandages are most effective when they are used to support a fractured or broken arm. However, their large size also makes them useful for securing dressings over large wounds.
How to Use a Triangular Bandage as a Sling
Have the injured person hold the injured arm across their chest at the bottom of the ribcage, or at a slight angle if that is more comfortable. Slide the bandage between the arm and chest. Next place one corner of the bandage behind the neck, one by the elbow. The third corner will then be tied to the first corner. The sling should be tied tight enough to support the weight of the arm. Make sure the bandage keeps the arm at a comfortable level.
When to Use a Triangular Bandage
Triangular bandages should be used to support a fracture or broken bone in the arm. Optimally, triangular bandages should be used in tandem with a splint. Using a splint will help ensure the bone deviates as little as possible so it is able to properly heal.
How do Splints Work?
Splints are devices used to immobilize injuries to help reduce pain and prevent further damage. Splints have multiple forms, such as rigid bars of fiberglass, flexible pieces of aluminum, and inflatable plastic. The fiberglass splints provide the most support and stabilization, but are the least comfortable. Aluminum splints provide medium support and are very comfortable. The inflatable splints are the most comfortable but provide the least support. Both fiberglass and aluminum splints are covered in foam to prevent irritation and let the skin breathe, and they need to be secured with tape or other binding.
Types of Fractures
Open Fracture, the bone has broken through the skin.
Closed fracture, the bone is broken but hasn’t broken through the skin.
There are multiple ways the bone can fracture, including greenstick, transverse, oblique, spiral, compression, comminuted, and segmental.
