(1) Position the forearm on the casualty's chest with the hand positioned
slightly higher than the elbow.
(2) Undo the jacket so the lower portion (flap) can be brought over the
forearm to form a sling.
(3) Bring the flap up over the forearm to the pocket area. Position the elbow
so that it is inside the sling and will not slip out of the sling.
(4) Push a stick or other rigid object through the flap and the upper portion
of the jacket so the flap will not slip.
5-9.
APPLY A SWATHE
A swathe is a large strip of cloth, muslin bandage, field dressing, blanket strip,
pistol belt, trouser belt, bandoleer, or other material used to immobilize an arm. The
swathe should be three to six inches wide.
a. The chest can be used as the rigid object to immobilize an arm (fractured or
dislocated shoulder, fractured humerus, or fractured clavicle) by applying a sling to the
forearm and swathes to the upper arm. If the humerus is fractured, one swathe is
applied above the fracture and one swathe is applied below the fracture (see figure
5-11).
Figure 5-11. Sling and swathes used to immobilize a fractured humerus
(chest used as the rigid object).
MD0533
5-16