The shoulder strap is used to immobilize and protect an injured arm. Although it is mainly used in case of fractures, it is not certain that this is the only intended use: it is also necessary in case of bruises, sprains and equally in the case of an emergency in which a serious injury is suspected. Regardless of the nature of the damage, the shoulder strap can be vital in the healing process because, in addition to providing support for the limb, it instructs others to move carefully around the injured person. Knowing how to improvise a sling is a useful first aid skill: it provides the injured person with protection and comfort until they are able to receive proper medical assistance.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use a Piece of Cloth
Step 1. Get a large enough square piece of fabric
For this method you need a piece of fabric that functions like a real shoulder strap. The dimensions may vary according to the height and weight of the injured person. A square of 1 meter on each side is fine in most cases. In theory, it would be advisable not to be made of stretch fabric so as not to allow the arm to flex and move, aggravating the injury.
- To get a 1 square meter remnant, you just need to cut an old pillowcase or a used sheet - as long as you don't mind using it for this purpose - with a sharp pair of scissors or a utility knife. For lack of anything else, you can also tear it off with your hands until it is the desired size.
- If you opt for this makeshift method, it is preferable to abound rather than find yourself with an excessively small piece of cloth. If it is too big, you can always shorten it by adjusting the knot at the back of the neck, but there is no way to lengthen it if it is too small.
Step 2. Fold the fabric in half along the diagonal to make a triangle
Next, you will need to fold the fabric diagonally until it forms a triangle. When wearing it to support the arm, the "most abundant" part of the triangle will have to support the arm, while the corners will form the shoulder strap behind the head.
If for some reason the band folded in this way is not comfortable, you can cut the square diagonally into a triangle
Step 3. Clean and medicate wounds before putting on the sling
Supported by this protection, the arm inevitably comes into contact with a fabric that is probably not disinfected, especially if you have used a commonly used material found at home. Therefore, in case of open wounds, it is essential to ensure that they are clean, dry and protected by a sterile dressing before putting on the band. Here are some tips on this - read this link for more information. If the injury is severe or you can even see the bone, don't waste time preparing a shoulder strap e go to the emergency room immediately.
- Wash all wounds first, BUT make sure the water is neither too cold nor too hot. Also, turn on the faucet so that it runs smoothly. The pressure doesn't have to be strong. Otherwise, you risk making the situation worse.
- Remove dirt and any other foreign matter with a sterile pair of tweezers if you have not been able to remove it with water.
- Band up the wound. Use a bandage to completely cover it, preventing the sticky side from sticking to the wound. If necessary, you can apply clean gauze between the bandage and the wound.
- If you need a splint, apply it before the shoulder strap.
- Don't touch the wound unless you have nursing skills.
Step 4. Remove all jewelry
You must remove any rings, soft or rigid bracelets on the injured limb because, if it swells during the healing period, jewelry (especially very tight ones) can obstruct blood circulation, cause pain and irritation or even get stuck.
Step 5. Slip one end of the fabric under the arm and the other over the shoulder
Bring the injured arm close to the chest so that it forms a 90 ° angle (basically the forearm must be parallel to the floor). Using the healthy one, bring the other end of the shoulder strap over the shoulder of the injured limb. Drop the rest of the fabric with the tip pointing roughly towards the hip corresponding to the injured side of the body.
Step 6. Bring the other end of the triangle over the opposite shoulder
Again, use the hand of the unaffected limb to lift the corner facing the floor first over the arm and then to the nape of the neck. Perform this movement gently, otherwise since the band is supporting the injured arm, you may be injured by pulling it too hard. The length of the fabric should allow the injured limb to bend at an angle of approximately 90 °.
Make sure that the fingers protrude at the wrist for simple tasks, such as writing, while the rest of the limb is supported by the shoulder strap. If there is no need, adjust the shoulder strap as you see fit
Step 7. Tie the shoulder strap to the nape of the neck
When you have found the right length, tie the two ends behind the neck to immobilize the arm. If you need to adjust the height, untie the knot and put it back a little higher or lower. Congratulations! You just made a shoulder strap.
- If the knot is pressing on your neck and hurting you, insert a cloth or a small padding under the nape of the neck.
- Be careful not to trap your hair in the knot, or you could get hurt as soon as you try to move your arm or walk.
Step 8. If you want, you can close the edges with a safety pin
Just above the elbow join the outer edges of the shoulder strap with a pin. This will create a barrier that will hold the elbow in place. Without this precaution there is a risk that the arm accidentally slips off the shoulder strap as you move or that the fabric collects towards the wrist creating a bundle.
Step 9. Maintain good posture when wearing the sling
With this system, the neck and upper back can be subjected to additional strain as the weight of the arm rests on these parts of the body. Therefore, even if you do not feel a particular tension, over time the shoulder strap is likely to generate some pain between the shoulder blades. To lessen this effect, maintain correct posture. Here are some suggestions:
- When standing, keep your back straight with your shoulders back but relaxed. Keep your chin up and avoid hunching over.
- When you sit down, lean your back against the backrest, if present. Always keep it straight. The head and chin should stay up and avoid bending the neck. Feet must stick to the floor. Do not bend over and do not collapse. If you can, rest your arm on the armrest.
- If at any time you experience severe pain in your back or neck while wearing the shoulder strap, consult your doctor. Avoid using it if you have spinal or cervical alignment problems.
Method 2 of 3: Improvise a Shoulder Strap with Clothes and Accessories
Step 1. An improvised harness is not as effective as a shoulder strap designed specifically for this use
The shoulder straps produced today are much more comfortable, ergonomic and protective than those that can be made at the moment. However, if an arm is injured, you may have to improvise. If you get injured while camping free in nature, you may find yourself unable to take a piece of fabric to make a harness. So, a garment is definitely better than nothing.
Step 2. Fit a long-sleeved piece of clothing
A sweater, sweatshirt, buttoned shirt, or other garment will do, as long as it has long sleeves. Tie them behind your head and gently insert your injured arm through the opening that has formed. Adjust the fabric along the forearm or at the wrist so that it comfortably supports the weight of the injured limb.
- Try to adjust the length of the sleeves by knotting them so that the arm forms roughly a right angle (with the forearm parallel to the ground).
- If you have safety pins handy, try securing the fabric around the elbow by creating a barrier like the one described in the previous method.
Step 3. Use a belt
The belt is an accessory that seems almost made to measure to improvise a shoulder strap because it allows you to obtain an adjustable ring. Fasten the buckle behind your neck and put your arm through the ring that has formed. Let the weight of the limb be supported by the band at the forearm or wrist. Close the belt so that your arm is supported at a 90 ° angle.
Since the buckle may cause pain in the back of the neck, it is preferable to turn the belt until the buckle is positioned between the arm and the neck. For added comfort, you can also add padding at the nape of the neck
Step 4. Try a tie
If you get injured in the office or while being formally dressed, the tie could act as a shoulder strap until you have a real one on hand. As described in the previous steps, you just need to tie it at the nape of your neck and slip your injured arm into the ring that has formed. Adjust the position and length of the harness so that the arm forms a 90 ° angle when bent.
Step 5. Use duct tape
It can help you effectively immobilize the injured limb. It is strong, flexible and qualitatively similar to a fabric, so it lends itself quite well for this purpose.
- A duct tape loop is as useful as a belt or tie because it effectively supports the wrist, arm and elbow.
- By using it to support the injured arm at the height of the torso, you will avoid moving it.
- Make sure it doesn't stick to your skin. Adjust it so it doesn't stick directly to your body.
Step 6. See your doctor immediately and / or get a real sling
Generally, when you are forced to improvise a shoulder strap, it means that even medical assistance cannot arrive promptly. If the injury is serious or does not go away, go to the emergency room or your doctor right away. An improvised shoulder strap is better than nothing, but it cannot replace an appropriate device (without considering all the other treatments a hospital can provide). It's better to be safe than sorry, so don't make it worse by neglecting medical advice.
Method 3 of 3: Handling the Most Serious Cases
Step 1. Seek medical help for dislocations and fractures
While a shoulder strap made of a makeshift material is a good solution in the face of a minor injury, it is still not sufficient to ensure the recovery of the limb in the event of fractures and dislocations. Therefore, consult a doctor to examine the lesion, can prescribe an x-ray and, finally, a treatment plan. Therapy may include the use of a sling, but it is also possible that the arm may need to be in a cast or have surgery. If you immobilize a fractured bone or dislocated arm for a long time with a makeshift sling, you could disrupt the healing process. There is a risk of complications that involve lengthy and complex care.
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Common symptoms of an arm fracture are:
- Severe pain;
- Achiness;
- Swelling;
- Loss of mobility and reduced sensation
- Possibility of an open wound with exposed bone;
- Abnormal appearance of the limb, compared to the healthy one.
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Common symptoms of a dislocation (most common in the shoulder) are:
- Pain in the arm, shoulder and / or collarbone
- Deformation of the joint (bump on or near the shoulder)
- Swelling;
- Hematoma.
843627 17 Step 2. Go to the hospital immediately if you see bone protruding from the wound
When the fractured bone pierces the skin or is in some way visible externally, it is called an "open fracture". It is very painful, dangerous and difficult to treat. Often the accidents at the origin of these bone injuries can cause other very serious trauma. Hence, it is important to receive prompt and effective medical intervention.
Avoid realigning a bone that has suffered an open fracture without the help of a doctor except in very exceptional cases, i.e. when immediate medical attention is not possible and when realigning bones with manipulation is preferable to the alternative of not doing nothing
Make a Sling for Your Arm Step 18 Step 3. Handle a broken bone only if you are at risk of losing the limb
You should try to realign fragments of a broken bone only if signs of poor circulation appear. It is worth repeating that, if possible, it is best to wait for the doctor's intervention, except when the limb does not appear to be properly supplied following a fracture. This risk exists if, in addition to the injury, the affected area becomes pale or cyanotic, there is no pulse, the sensation is reduced or the limb becomes cold. In these cases, the risk of an amputation exceeds all those that result from the intervention of an inexperienced person in an attempt to recompose a fractured bone.
In this case, try doing some research online for more information
Advice
- To hold the harness in place, you can use a long bandage to wrap around the injured arm and secure it under the healthy armpit with a safety pin. It will prevent the arm from moving as you walk or move.
- When it is not possible (or not recommended) to prepare a shoulder strap to perfection, create a simple one to hang around the neck and support the wrist.
- Here's another idea: wrap a strip of fabric, sheet, pants, tights, or whatever you have around your neck and wrist like you would a full-sized sling.
- If your arm or shoulder does not improve even with the use of the sling, see your doctor.
- Try to relieve the swelling before it gets worse by placing an ice pack or a box of frozen vegetables on the injured area. Don't put ice directly on your skin as it could cause other damage. Place a napkin between the skin and the ice.
- Use a hooded sweatshirt. Tie a knot at the capless end, join the long sleeves and roll up the hood for a padding for the hand!
Warnings
- If you suspect you've broken your arm, wrist, or elbow, go to the emergency room.
- Some shoulder problems, such as adhesive capsulitis, can be aggravated with the use of the sling. See your doctor as soon as possible if the pain doesn't go away in just over a day.
- The shoulder strap can worsen cervical problems in already predisposed people and the elderly.
