What are the primary uses of a triangular bandage in field medicine?
The primary uses in field and tactical medicine are: (1) arm sling — supporting an injured arm to immobilize a suspected fracture or dislocation of the shoulder, clavicle, or upper arm during transport; (2) cravat bandaging — folding the triangle into a long strip for scalp wound bandaging, eye dressing retention, and ankle or wrist support; (3) wound coverage — as an improvised large-area wound covering; and (4) splint securing — wrapping around an extremity and splinting material to immobilize fractures. The two included safety pins secure slings and cravats without requiring tying skill under stress.
Why is the NAR Triangular Bandage olive drab instead of white?
Olive drab coloring is consistent with military field kit standards, where low-visibility materials reduce reflective signatures during operations. White medical supplies are easily visible at distance and in night-vision imagery, which is operationally undesirable in tactical environments. The OD green triangular bandage integrates into military kit builds without creating a visual signature. For civilian first aid and public access applications where visibility is preferred, standard white triangular bandages are available.
What dimensions does the NAR Triangular Bandage open to?
The NAR Triangular Bandage (SKU 30-0089) opens to 37 in. × 37 in. × 52 in. — a full-size triangular bandage appropriate for adult arm slings and most cravat applications. Packaged, it measures 3.5 in. × 2 in. × 0.625 in. and weighs 1.6 oz. The NSN is 6510-00-201-1755. Two safety pins are included for securing slings and cravats without knots.
Can a triangular bandage be used as an improvised tourniquet?
A triangular bandage folded into a cravat can be used as an improvised tourniquet with a windlass (a stick, pen, or rigid object) in a true emergency when no dedicated tourniquet is available. However, improvised tourniquets have significantly lower effectiveness and reliability than dedicated devices like the CAT Gen 7 or SAM XT — they may not achieve adequate arterial occlusion, may fail during transport, and cause additional injury. Always carry and use a dedicated CoTCCC-recommended tourniquet when possible. The triangular bandage improvised tourniquet is a last resort option.
How do I apply an arm sling with the NAR Triangular Bandage?
Position the injured arm across the chest at a comfortable angle. Open the triangular bandage and position the longest edge (52 in. hypotenuse) along the chest with the point extending toward the elbow. Fold the lower side up under the arm to meet the upper edge at the neck, and tie the two ends together behind the neck (not directly over the spine). The point at the elbow is twisted and pinned or folded back with a safety pin to secure the sling. The arm should rest with the hand slightly elevated above the elbow. Add a swathe (a second triangular bandage or elastic wrap) around the upper arm and torso to further immobilize the shoulder.
Is the Triangular Bandage included in TCCC or CoTCCC kits?
Yes. The triangular bandage is a standard item in military CLS, individual aid, and medic resupply kits. It is not a CoTCCC-recommended item for primary hemorrhage control but is a standard kit component for splinting, head wound management, and general wound care.
What is the standard folding technique for a sling?
Fold the triangular bandage in half to form a triangle, then position the point behind the elbow of the injured arm, bring the two ends up behind the neck, and tie. This is taught in TCCC CLS, American Red Cross, and Stop the Bleed curricula.
Can the OD Triangular Bandage be used as a cravat for an improvised tourniquet?
Yes, as a field-expedient last resort. Fold the triangular bandage to at least 2 inches wide, apply high and tight on the extremity proximal to the wound, and tie a windlass device (stick, pen) to tighten until bleeding stops. Transfer to a proper CoTCCC-recommended tourniquet as soon as one is available.
What is the NSN for the NAR OD Triangular Bandage?
Contact MED-TAC International for current NSN, CAGE code, and DLA/GSA procurement information for government orders of NAR Triangular Bandages.
What is the item number for this bandage?
The NAR Triangular Bandage - Olive Drab can be found on narescue.com and through MED-TAC International. Contact us for current item numbers and bulk ordering options.
