Where should a tourniquet be applied to control bleeding?

The application of a tourniquet is most effective when it is placed 2-3 inches above the source of bleeding on bare skin. This placement ensures that the tourniquet can effectively compress the major blood vessels that are causing the hemorrhage. By positioning it above the site of injury, the tourniquet functions optimally, reducing the likelihood of blood loss and helping to stabilize the casualty until further medical treatment can be administered.

Placing a tourniquet directly over large clothing layers may hinder its ability to apply sufficient pressure to stop the bleeding effectively. Applying it at the wound site itself can also be problematic, as it may not fully occlude the blood vessels that need to be compressed to control the flow of blood. Additionally, using a tourniquet on the lower leg for all injuries does not take into consideration the specific location of the bleeding, which may be present in other areas of the body requiring a different approach for effective management.