may be made by folding a large handkerchief
diagonally. The longest side of the triangular bandage
is called the base; the corner directly opposite the
middle of the base is called the point; and the other two
corners are called ends (fig. 311).
The triangular bandage is useful because it can be
folded in a variety of ways to fit almost any part of the
body. Padding may be added to areas that may become
uncomfortable.
TRIANGULAR BANDAGE FOR HEAD.
This bandage is used to retain compresses on the
forehead or scalp. Fold back the base about 2 inches to
make a hem. Place the middle of the base on the
forehead, just above the eyebrows, with the hem on the
outside. Let the point fall over the head and down over
the back of the head. Bring the ends of the triangle
around the back of the head above the ears, cross them
over the point, carry them around the forehead, and tie
in a SQUARE KNOT. Hold the compress firmly with
one hand, and, with the other, gently pull down the
point until the compress is snug; then bring the point up
and tuck it over and in the bandage where it crosses the
back part of the head. Figure 312 shows the proper
application of a triangular bandage for the head.
TRIANGULAR BANDAGE FOR SHOULDER.
Cut or tear the point, perpendicular to the base, about
10 inches.
Tie the two points loosely around the
patients neck, allowing the base to drape down over
the compress on the injured side. Fold the base to the
desired width, grasp the end, and fold or roll the sides
toward the shoulder to store the excess bandage. Wrap
the ends snugly around the upper arm, and tie on the
outside surface of the arm. Figure 313 shows the
proper application of a triangular bandage for the
shoulder.
TRIANGULAR BANDAGE FOR CHEST.
Cut or tear the point, perpendicular to the base, about
10 inches.
Tie the two points loosely around the
patients neck, allowing the bandage to drape down
over the chest. Fold the bandage to the desired width,
carry the ends around to the back, and secure by tying.
Figure 314 shows the proper application of a
triangular bandage for the chest.
TRIANGULAR BANDAGE FOR HIP OR
BUTTOCK.Cut or tear the point, perpendicular to
the base, about 10 inches. Tie the two points around the
thigh on the injured side. Lift the base up to the
waistline, fold to the desired width, grasp the ends, fold
or roll the sides to store the excess bandage, carry the
ends around the waist, and tie on the opposite side of
the body. Figure 315 shows the proper application of
a triangular bandage for the hip or buttock.
TRIANGULAR BANDAGE FOR SIDE OF
CHEST.Cut or tear the point, perpendicular to the
base, about 10 inches. Place the bandage, points up,
under the arm on the injured side. Tie the two points on
top of the shoulder. Fold the base to the desired width,
carry the ends around the chest, and tie on the opposite
side. Figure 316 shows the proper application of a
triangular bandage for the side of the chest.
TRIANGULAR BANDAGE FOR FOOT OR
HAND.This bandage is used to retain large
compresses and dressings on the foot or the hand. For
the foot: After the compresses are applied, place the
foot in the center of a triangular bandage and carry the
point over the ends of the toes and over the upper side
of the foot to the ankle. Fold in excess bandage at the
side of the foot, cross the ends, and tie in a square knot
3-7
Figure 311.Triangular bandage.
Figure 312.Triangular bandage for the head.