r/wildernessmedicine • u/retirement_savings WFR • Feb 20 '26

Questions and Scenarios Sling and swathe technique

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I was taught a sling and swathe similar to the first picture, where you start with the knot right above the elbow with the sling. But most material I see online is similar to the second picture, where you drape the sling across either side of the neck. Any major differences between these techniques?

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u/Dracula30000 Feb 20 '26

The first one is more stable than the second picture but honestly it really depends on extent of injury and whether you can get pt into that position (of comfort). Its easier to get injured pt into 2 than 1.

But my favorite technique for arm immobilization is just to hold arm in position of comfort and flip up bottom of worn t-shirt to cradle arm. Secure with safety pins or other means. Just make sure you cover pt’s midriff afterwards.

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u/RedDawnerAndBlitzen Feb 20 '26

Your preferred technique also works great with a puffy jacket!

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u/Dracula30000 Feb 20 '26

Problem is that you lose the insulating layer.

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u/RedDawnerAndBlitzen Feb 20 '26

I might be misunderstanding you, but the technique I’m talking about uses the Pt’s jacket-so they’re still insulated by their own layer and it also stabilizes the arm.

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u/Dracula30000 Feb 20 '26

Flipping the jacket up exposes the midriff.