Slings are one of those things people remember from first aid training…but often feel a bit unsure about afterwards.
Is it the right type?
Am I doing it properly?
In reality, it’s much simpler than that.
Why Do We Use a Sling?
A sling helps to:
- Support an injured arm
- Reduce pain
- Prevent unnecessary movement
- Stop the injury from getting worse
But importantly, you don’t always have to use one.
If someone is comfortable holding their arm themselves and staying still, that may be enough while you wait for further help.
Start with the Position
Instead of worrying about names or types of slings, think:
- How has the person come to you?
- What position are they naturally holding?
Your job is to support that position – not change it.
That one shift in thinking can make things feel a lot more manageable.
Making Sense of the Sling
A triangular bandage can look a bit confusing at first.
A simple way to remember it:
- The long edge goes down the centre of the body
- The point (like an arrow) goes towards the injury
That’s enough to get you started.
A Few Practical Tips
- Talk to the casualty throughout
- Move slowly and carefully
- Give them time to adjust
- Don’t rush to “fix” things
Sometimes, less is more.
Common Misconception
You don’t always need to use a sling.
A jumper, a cushion, or just supporting the arm can sometimes do the job, especially if the person is comfortable.
Explore More with Onelife
We’ll be sharing a few short videos on slings over the next few weeks, starting with this one.
You can also find all of our Trainer’s Corner videos on our website or YouTube channel – great for quick refreshers between training sessions.
We also share bite-sized advice on our In Case of Emergency podcast.
If you’d like to build confidence with practical skills like this, take a look at our first aid courses.
