What is the appropriate placement for a tourniquet on a limb?

The appropriate placement for a tourniquet is at least 2-3 inches above the wound. This location is crucial because it ensures that the tourniquet effectively occludes the blood flow to the limb without being placed directly over the injury itself. By positioning it above the wound, the tourniquet can compress the artery supplying blood to the injured area, helping to control severe bleeding. Additionally, placing the tourniquet too close to the wound risks insufficient pressure being applied to stop the bleeding and could hinder effective blood flow restriction.

This method promotes optimal outcomes in terms of hemorrhage control, which is vital in emergency situations. Proper placement of a tourniquet is a fundamental skill for combat medics to ensure patient stabilization before further medical intervention.