A triangle bandage sling dressing application includes use in arm slings, tourniquets, compression bandages, and various dressing coverings.

Us as a Soft Splint (such as a figure-eight application on a wrist or binding a head wound) as an Anatomical Splint (Binding one body part to another), or a Sling (hence the name). Considered one of the most versatile bandages, a triangular bandage is typically made from muslin cloth.

Triangular bandages are used to maintain compression or apply poultices to a head wound. They may be used for keeping body parts, such as shoulders, stationary during the healing process as well. Chest wound dressings can also be secured in place with triangular bandages. Splinting broken bones, holding gauze in place, and stopping or preventing bleeding are other uses. Due to its numerous applications and potential additional uses, a triangular bandage is considered a staple in most first aid kits.

Folded as a thick rectangle of cloth, the cravat can be placed over a large wound. In this case, it functions like a trauma pad, absorbing blood and helping to stop bleeding.

One folded can be used as a trauma pad, and a second can be used to wrap the wound and trauma pad. In this usage, it functions like the first-aid tape to hold the trauma pad in place. If a victim has an injured arm, a triangular bandage can be used as a sling, to support the arm in a bent position over the chest. A second (folded as a long band) can be used around the torso as a swathe to immobilise the arm against the chest. This technique is called a sling and swathe. Dedicated sling and swathe kits are available for purchase. But the advantage of the triangular bandage is that a few compact bandages serve multiple purposes. This allows a smaller first aid kit to do more. If a victim has a broken leg, the leg can be immobilized with a blanket between the legs and a couple of “Tri’s” to tie the legs together, firmly but not so tight as to restrict circulation. In the case of a head wound, a triangular bandage can be wrapped over the forehead and around the top of the head to cover the wound. Do not use bandages over the eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use bandages of any kind around the neck, because you might restrict circulation to the head. Also known as a cravat bandage, a triangular bandage is a piece of cloth put into a right-angled triangle, and often provided with safety pins to secure it in place. It can be used fully unrolled as a sling, folded as a normal bandage, or for specialised applications, as on the head. One advantage of this type of bandage is that it can be makeshift and made from a fabric scrap or a piece of a t-shirt. The Boy Scouts popularised the use of this bandage in many of their first aid lessons, as a part of the uniform is a “neckerchief” that can easily be folded to form a cravat.