How to splint a broken finger or dislocated elbow/shoulder?

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I tried googling it but I just get so confused. Thanks in advance for the help

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
...then I put a triangle bandage on for support. THOSE are my nemesis.

OK, I have to clean my computer screen; spit take. I thought I was the only one. How can something so simple be so damn difficult to figure out EVERY time you put one on...every time!!! I wish they had something printed on the fabric like, "elbow goes here" and "this side against chest," "this side over outside shoulder." I feel better knowing at least one other nurse is a triangle sling dufus too. Thank you SaltineQueen!!!!

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A little sloppy but hopefully it helps.

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Specializes in School Nursing.
OK, I have to clean my computer screen; spit take. I thought I was the only one. How can something so simple be so damn difficult to figure out EVERY time you put one on...every time!!! I wish they had something printed on the fabric like, "elbow goes here" and "this side against chest," "this side over outside shoulder." I feel better knowing at least one other nurse is a triangle sling dufus too. Thank you SaltineQueen!!!!

Yes! I second these printed instructions! At the summer camp I am at, I like to do a basic first aid type of activity period for kids working on awards and last year I had a triangle bandage in my kit and a kid went "Can you show us how to use that?" And I was able to....after doing it the wrong way the first 2 times!

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.
OK, I have to clean my computer screen; spit take. I thought I was the only one. How can something so simple be so damn difficult to figure out EVERY time you put one on...every time!!! I wish they had something printed on the fabric like, "elbow goes here" and "this side against chest," "this side over outside shoulder." I feel better knowing at least one other nurse is a triangle sling dufus too. Thank you SaltineQueen!!!!

I'm so glad I'm not the only one!! I have to YouTube it every single time. Nothing quite like looking like an idiot with a dad standing over you trying to get a triangle bandage on their kid's obviously broken arm so they can get to the ER... :banghead:

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
I'm so glad I'm not the only one!! I have to YouTube it every single time. Nothing quite like looking like an idiot with a dad standing over you trying to get a triangle bandage on their kid's obviously broken arm so they can get to the ER... :banghead:

I've likely put on at least 100 of these over the years and it NEVER goes smoothly! I don't get it:roflmao:

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

You know Friends. I just love this little exchange about the difficulties with the triangular bandage. It is just another reminder of how refreshing it is to be able to share common difficulties with each other...our own kind of dufus moments. And. we. all. get. it.!

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OK, I have to clean my computer screen; spit take. I thought I was the only one. How can something so simple be so damn difficult to figure out EVERY time you put one on...every time!!! I wish they had something printed on the fabric like, "elbow goes here" and "this side against chest," "this side over outside shoulder." I feel better knowing at least one other nurse is a triangle sling dufus too. Thank you SaltineQueen!!!!

Okay now I am not embarassed to say I have tried to find youtube videos on how to do it. I just always wind up tying them in knots. LOL

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I think that the problem is the triangular bandage itself is useless. This many school nurses can't be the problem. And so glad to hear I am not the only one who has problems with those things....

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I think that the problem is the triangular bandage itself is useless. This many school nurses can't be the problem. And so glad to hear I am not the only one who has problems with those things....

Can you expand on this? I've used them for nearly 40 years and haven't found them useless at all. Which might be why they are still around.

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Specializes in School Nurse.

I'll have to disagree with the others. Splinting is basic first aid and certainly within my authority. However, it's purely a temporary thing to get the patient to an ER or orthopedist to properly diagnose whether there is a fracture or not and what to do about it.

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Specializes in School nursing.
I'll have to disagree with the others. Splinting is basic first aid and certainly within my authority. However, it's purely a temporary thing to get the patient to an ER or orthopedist to properly diagnose whether there is a fracture or not and what to do about it.

See, situation by situation for me.

Average EMT response for me is ~6 minutes. If the kid has a break that warrants ASAP attention, is in safe location, as comfortable as they can be, I'm likely to hold off on a splint till they arrive.

I have used a triangle bandage. I also kinda stink at applying them. I do have finger splint and flexible splints if absolutely needed. I've ever only used the finger splints and never, ever, reset a finger or even tried to if I strongly suspect it is broken.

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Specializes in kids.
I think that the problem is the triangular bandage itself is useless. This many school nurses can't be the problem. And so glad to hear I am not the only one who has problems with those things....

Oh no...you are SO not alone!!! I saved the little picture info from the box they came in. But I have to look at it EVERY . SINGLE. TIME!!!!

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