Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries – Part 4: Slings
- Jason T
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries – Part 4: Slings
A Practical Guide for Nursing Students
In the previous installment of our Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries series, we reviewed the proper application of splints in emergency settings. Now that initial stabilization is complete, the next critical step for nursing students is understanding how to support and immobilize injured limbs with slings—an essential part of patient care during transport or while awaiting EMS.
Whether you’re assessing a trauma patient in a hospital setting or assisting someone in a community health scenario, knowing when and how to use a sling can prevent further musculoskeletal injury and help ease the patient’s pain.
Nursing Reminder: You may not need to move the patient. When in doubt, wait for EMS or follow medical direction. Improper movement can worsen injuries.
💡 What is a Sling?
A sling is a bandage or supportive cloth device used to immobilize an injured arm, shoulder, or clavicle. It is often made of a wide triangular bandage looped around the neck to support the injured limb.
There are two primary types of slings:
Regular Sling: Supports the arm horizontally across the abdomen.
Tube Sling: Holds the arm vertically, close against the chest.
👩⚕️ Nursing Students: How to Apply a Sling
📝 General Guidelines
Assess Comfort and Injury TypeChoose a sling type based on the natural resting position of the limb:
Arm hangs down → Use a Regular Sling
Arm raised slightly → Use a Tube Sling
Use What You HaveIf a triangular bandage isn’t available, any long, soft material can be adapted. Ensure it is broad enough to support the forearm and shoulder, and ideally touches both the floor and the opposite shoulder when folded diagonally.
Do Not Force MovementAlways support the injury in the position found—forcing a limb into a sling can worsen fractures or soft tissue damage.
🩹 Regular Sling Application
Check Circulation
Compare skin color, temperature, and capillary refill between both hands.
Ask about numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation.
Remove rings or jewelry if possible.
Position the Arm
Have the patient hold the injured arm across their chest, fingers pointing to the opposite shoulder.
Apply the Sling
Slide the open triangular bandage under the arm, with the point extending past the elbow.
Bring the bottom end of the bandage up over the opposite shoulder.
Tie the ends behind the neck, adjusting to prevent discomfort.
Secure with a Broad Bandage
Tie another wide bandage around the torso and over the sling to keep the arm snug.
Reassess Circulation
🧣 Tube Sling Application
Check Circulation
Same as with the regular sling: check color, temperature, and sensation. Remove jewelry.
Position the Arm
Have the patient lay the forearm across their chest, hand resting near the opposite shoulder.
Apply the Bandage
Drape a triangular bandage over the forearm. The point should extend beyond the elbow and shoulder.
Tuck & Wrap
Gently tuck the bandage under the injured arm, from hand to elbow.
Twist the top corner near the elbow to secure it.
Bring the loose end around the back and tie both ends on the uninjured side of the neck.
Pad the Arm
Place soft padding between the elbow and torso for comfort.
Secure with Broad Bandage
Wrap a broad bandage over the elbow and across the chest.
Reassess Circulation
⚠️ Emergency Response: What to Do First
As a nursing student, follow the primary steps of emergency assessment:
Scene Safety First
Ensure the area is safe.
Wear gloves and PPE to avoid contact with bodily fluids.
Assess ABCs
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Call 911
Do this if you're alone and suspect spinal trauma, motor vehicle accidents, or life-threatening injury.
Do Not Move the Limb
If EMS is arriving soon, keep the patient still.
Only splint or sling if medical help is delayed.
🧊 Treating Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries
When in doubt, follow the R.I.C.E. Protocol:
Rest the limb.
Immobilize with a sling or splint if trained.
Cool the injury for 20 minutes every hour (avoid direct ice-to-skin contact).
Elevate the limb above the heart if tolerated and safe to do so.
💬 Final Thoughts for Future Nurses
Slings are a vital first aid tool for stabilizing upper limb injuries and reducing discomfort. As a nursing student, these are foundational skills that bridge the gap between first response and professional care.
Whether you're in a hospital, clinic, or out in the community, your understanding of safe limb immobilization can help prevent complications and reduce patient pain during those crucial first moments of care.
Learn to Save Lives with Confidence
Whether you're preparing for clinicals or just starting your nursing journey, Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED training equips you with hands-on skills and evidence-based knowledge to respond effectively to emergencies.
This educational content aligns with guidelines from the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Alberta Health Services, and Canadian Red Cross. It is not a substitute for certified medical training. Always consult an instructor or physician when in doubt.
📍 Training for First-Year Nursing Students
Join Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd. for fully certified, CSA-compliant Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED courses—designed for Alberta’s future healthcare professionals.
Just Remember:
Protect Yourself. Call 911.Don’t Waste Time.
RESOURCES:
Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd
Jason T
Retired EMT - Heart & Stroke Foundation Senior Instructor
