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What Is a Triangular Bandage?

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

There are many different kinds of bandages available for various injuries. A triangular bandage, or a covering shaped like a triangle, can be used for many of these needs. Its applications include use in arm slings, tourniquets, compression bandages, and various dressing coverings.

Considered one of the most versatile bandages, a triangular bandage is usually made out of muslin cloth. Normally white, an average first aid bandage of this type weighs about a tenth of a pound (.05 kilograms). The size of the bandages vary, typical brands run approximately 40 inches (101.6 centimeters) by 50 inches (127 inches). Sealed in plastic, it often comes with safety pins or other securing devices to keep it in place during use.

A triangular bandage is commonly featured in first aid kits.
A triangular bandage is commonly featured in first aid kits.

These bandages are used for maintaining compressions or poultices on a head wound. They may be used for keeping body parts, such as shoulders, stationary during the healing process as well. Chest wound dressings may be kept in place with triangular bandages, too. Splinting broken bones, holding gauze in place, and stopping or preventing bleeding are other uses. Because of all of these uses and potentially more, this type of bandage is considered a staple in most first aid kits.

An arm sling is a common example of a triangular bandage.
An arm sling is a common example of a triangular bandage.

An arm sling is the most popular use for a triangular bandage. In order to create a sling, the bandage can be draped down the front of the body. One end of the triangle should be brought over the uninjured shoulder, then carried behind the neck until the end is hanging in the front of the body on the injured side.

Once the bandage is behind the elbow of the injured arm, carefully bend the arm toward the center of the bandage. Once the arm is in place, bring the other triangle end up behind the neck. Tie both ends together at the end of the shoulder, creating a knot at the side of the patient's neck.

When used for knee, foot, or head injuries, a triangular bandage should only be used as a dressing covering. These injuries are typically too severe for this type of bandage alone. Instead, they normally require more invasive bindings, such as casts.

A triangular bandage is sometimes used to wrap ankles, feet and legs.
A triangular bandage is sometimes used to wrap ankles, feet and legs.

If a triangular bandage is unavailable, a neckerchief can possibly be used. If being used as a bandage over an open wound, a neckerchief should ideally be sterilized in order to prevent infection. In an emergency, however, such a bandanna is considered preferable to no bandage at all.

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for TheHealthBoard and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.

Learn more...
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for TheHealthBoard and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

donasmrs

@ysmina-- Triangular bandages are not always sterile and they do not have adhesive. So they are not used directly over a wound or injury for this reason. They are usually used to wrap over a sterile gauze or bandage, to both keep it clean and also to apply some pressure. The pressure is useful when there is bleeding involved as it helps to control that. It's usually used to wrap the head.

And yes, many people also use triangular bandage for makeshift slings but triangular bandages are only temporarily useful as slings since they're not very durable. So the sling will have to be renewed after some time. The same goes for using triangular bandages over wounds. It has to be renewed periodically.

ysmina

I don't understand what makes a triangular bandage, a bandage. It's just thin fabric in a triangular shape with safety pins.

SarahGen

I keep triangular bandages at home, mostly to use for arm slings, although I have also used them before as an ankle wrap or compression.

When I have an issue with my arm or hand, like a sprain, I try to immobilize it because it speeds up healing and reduces pain. Using a triangular bandage is really the easiest and cheapest way to do this. There are special slings sold out there for the arm but they cost a lot and I find them uncomfortable. Triangular bandages are very affordable and I think everyone needs to have this in their medicine cabinet or first aid kit.

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    • A triangular bandage is commonly featured in first aid kits.
      By: lucato
      A triangular bandage is commonly featured in first aid kits.
    • An arm sling is a common example of a triangular bandage.
      By: elsahoffmann
      An arm sling is a common example of a triangular bandage.
    • A triangular bandage is sometimes used to wrap ankles, feet and legs.
      By: Warren Goldswain
      A triangular bandage is sometimes used to wrap ankles, feet and legs.
    • Triangular bandages can help maintain compression on a head wound.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Triangular bandages can help maintain compression on a head wound.
    • A triangular compression bandage can be used to improve circulation and speed the healing of a leg ulcer.
      By: schankz
      A triangular compression bandage can be used to improve circulation and speed the healing of a leg ulcer.
    • A triangular bandage may need to be applied if a person experiences a bad fall.
      By: Rob Byron
      A triangular bandage may need to be applied if a person experiences a bad fall.