When applying a tourniquet, how far above the wound should it be placed?

The correct answer is based on the principle of effectively controlling bleeding while also minimizing potential tissue damage. Placing the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound allows for adequate compression to stop arterial blood flow while ensuring that it is not too close to the injury site, which could risk applying unnecessary pressure to damaged tissues.

Tourniquets aim to control life-threatening hemorrhage, particularly in extremity injuries. If placed too close to the wound, there is a risk of not achieving effective occlusion of blood vessels, especially if the damage extends further up the limb. The 2-3 inch recommendation balances the need for effective hemorrhage control while safeguarding surrounding tissues. This distance generally allows for the tourniquet to effectively compress the blood vessels that would otherwise contribute to significant blood loss.