The band of a tourniquet is being applied to a severely bleeding wound on the casualty's arm. Where should the tourniquet band be placed during Tactical Field Care?

In Tactical Field Care, the appropriate placement of a tourniquet is crucial for effectively controlling severe bleeding. The tourniquet should be applied 2 to 3 inches above the wound. This placement ensures that the tourniquet can compress the blood vessels effectively without causing unnecessary damage to surrounding tissues in areas where blood flow is still needed.

If placed too close to the wound or directly over the wound, there is a higher risk of not achieving complete vascular occlusion, which could lead to continued bleeding. Likewise, relying on a position that is too far below the wound may allow for significant blood loss before the tourniquet can adequately restrict blood flow. Applying it within the 2 to 3 inches above the injury strikes a balance that allows for efficient pressure application while minimizing risks to the injured area. This knowledge helps to ensure the best possible outcome in emergency medical situations.