How should a tourniquet be applied?

The application of a tourniquet is a critical skill in managing severe hemorrhagic injuries, especially in a combat or emergency medical context. Placing the tourniquet approximately 2-3 inches above the bleeding site is essential because it allows for proper occlusion of the blood vessels while minimizing the risk of further damage to the injured limb. The primary goal is to effectively stop arterial blood flow to prevent exsanguination, and this is achieved by tightening the tourniquet until the bleeding ceases.

It's important not to place the tourniquet directly over the wound, as this could limit your ability to assess the injury and may not apply pressure effectively to control the bleeding. Loosening a tourniquet every few minutes can lead to a rebound in blood flow, which compromises the effectiveness of the intervention, making it necessary to maintain continuous pressure until definitive medical treatment can be administered. Lastly, applying the tourniquet as loosely as possible would fail to stop significant bleeding and undermine the purpose of the device.