There’s no denying it – triangular bandages are my single favourite item in a first aid kit. Triangular (or cravat) bandages are simply right-angle triangles made from a strong material. They can be used to create various types of slings, to soak up additional blood from a wound or to tie on a splint for greater immobilization.
You can find triangulars in most pre-packaged first aid kits, but if you need to restock, here are a few places to buy triangular bandages online: MEC, FirstAidProduct.com and DCG First Aid, just to name a few.
DIY ALERT!
If you don’t want to go to the trouble of buying them, you can make your own! Take a clean bed sheet and cut out a square that is 40″ x 40″. Then cut the square from one corner to the opposite corner. What you will end up with is two right-angle triangles that are each 40″ x 40″ x 56″. Store neatly folded in your fist aid kit with a few safety pins at the ready.
In a pinch, a piece of fabric or t-shirt can also be substituted for a triangular bandage.
Here’s a quick video about how to use triangular bandages to create a tube sling for an upper arm injury: http://youtu.be/9Cifk_ohsDo
Be calm, be confident & think common sense!
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