In survival first aid, the triangular bandage is an important item that should be part of every medical kit. Available as a stand-alone item or improvised from a bandanna, neckerchief, or shemagh, the triangular bandage has proven to be a versatile and lightweight tool in the off-grid medic’s toolbox. Every medical kit should have several.
Over the centuries, bandannas — which originated from a colorful headdress in India called bandhana, from the Sanskrit word for “bond” — have morphed into an item which can be seen on the outfits of everything from scouts to sailors to cowboys. In some cases, kerchiefs have become part of ceremonial costumes or uniforms. In practical terms, however, they can serve to wrap a wide variety of injuries incurred in the backcountry or other austere settings. The triangular bandage is useful for any situation where immobilization is helpful for healing or for transport. It can be used to treat sprains, broken bones, bleeding injuries, and much more.
The bandage can be used in conjunction with a number of other medical items to achieve stabilization. It can be improvised into a tourniquet with a stick or used as a wrapping to pad and immobilize a
