How to Make Triangle Bandages

It's easy to make triangle bandages.

Triangle bandages come standard in most first aid kits and can be used many different ways to treat various injuries. Even if you don't have a premade triangle bandage, you can make one from nearly any piece of clean cloth. Use a sterile, manufactured cloth whenever possible to prevent the risk of infection. Triangle bandages can be used to wrap wounds and act as a sling.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Stretch out the piece of fabric. If you don't have a sheet of fabric or gauze, use a shirt, piece of drapery, jeans or sheets in emergencies.

2. Cut the fabric into a square of roughly 3 feet by 3 feet, unless the wound is very small. Then cut the square in half along the diagonal axis to make two triangles.

3. Sterilize the bandages in boiling water or, in a pinch, by soaking it in hydrogen peroxide or another disinfectant to prevent the risk of infection. Let dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Fold a handkerchief in half diagonally to make a really fast triangle bandage.

• Triangle bandages are only temporary. Always remove the bandage and replace it with sterile fresh ones as soon as possible. If necessary, seek medical attention for serious wounds.

References

• Inquiry: Triangular Bandages
• Integrated Publishing: Hospital Corpsman Revised Edition - Complete Navy Nursing Manual