Triangular Bandage for Camping?

Question

Is it possible to use a regular head bandana for a triangular bandage? I can't find triangular bandages anywhere and I need one for the camp I'm going to in two days. If you can't use a bandana, what else can you use?

Answer 1

Normal sized bandanas are too small for use as a triangular bandage. And t-shirt material or jersy material has too much stretch for use as a triangular bandage.

For purchase you could try drug stores or medical supply houses, if not you could improvise one using an old bed sheet - cut into a pyramid shape measuring 56" at the base and 40" on each side.

Triangular bandages are very versatile and not just used for upper extremity injuries (shoulder, rib, head, pelvis, etc...) check out the link if you're interested in seeing their other uses.

Answer 2

Camping, and being in the wild, calls for improvisation of medical supplies.  A triangular bandage is best used for a broken arm (humerus, radius, or ulna).   I've camped, hiked, and generally wandered around in the woods for a long number of years, and have yet to have the misfortune of treating a broken limb.  

As that is the case with most people, carrying something as specific as a triangular bandage just in case someone breaks a limb, seems a little cumbersome, when pretty much any piece of fabric will do.

Start with a nice sized bandana, which you can wear to keep the sun off your head or neck.  If the camp leader objects, tell them you intend to tear off a piece of your t-shirt to use.  Because in a real life wilderness first aid situation, that is the most practical thing to do.  

If you really truly feel you need to have one, they should sell them at the local Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, etc.