How high up the limb should a tourniquet be placed?

The most effective placement for a tourniquet is 2-3 inches proximal to the bleeding site. This distance ensures that the tourniquet can adequately occlude blood flow to the limb without being placed directly over a joint or too close to the wound itself. Placing it proximally maximizes the chances of reaching the major arteries supplying the area, thereby increasing the likelihood of controlling severe hemorrhage.

When a tourniquet is applied too close to the wound or at the site of bleeding, there is a risk that it wouldn't adequately compress the underlying blood vessels, leading to continued blood loss. Additionally, if the tourniquet is placed over a joint, such as the knee or elbow, it may not achieve the desired efficacy in stopping blood flow, due to anatomical challenges.

Overall, the goal is to ensure that the tourniquet is effective in controlling hemorrhage while taking care to avoid using it in a manner that could compromise the limb's functionality or lead to complications. This understanding of tourniquet placement is critical in tactical combat casualty care scenarios, where rapid and effective hemorrhage control can be life-saving.