How far above the bleeding wound should a tourniquet be applied?

A tourniquet should be applied two inches above the bleeding wound to effectively control hemorrhage. This distance is recommended to ensure that the tourniquet adequately constricts the blood vessels supplying the injured area without being too far from the wound, which could allow for continued bleeding.

Applying the tourniquet too far from the wound could lead to ongoing blood loss, as the damaged blood vessels in the immediate vicinity of the injury may not be compressed effectively. By positioning the tourniquet two inches above the injury site, there is a better chance of occluding the major arteries, thus preventing further blood loss and stabilizing the patient while awaiting additional medical care. This placement is crucial, particularly in traumatic injuries where time is a critical factor in the patient’s survival.