The triangular bandage is used to form slings, support fractured limbs, hold dressings onto wounds and control bleeding. 

It  may be used for keeping body parts, such as shoulders, stationary during the healing process as well. Chest wound dressings may be kept in place with triangular bandages, too. Splinting broken bones, holding gauze in place, and stopping or preventing bleeding are other uses. Because of all of these uses and potentially more, a triangular bandage is considered a staple in most first aid kits.