Where should a tourniquet be placed on an arm or a leg?

A tourniquet should be placed 2 to 3 inches above the wound because this positioning is designed to effectively control bleeding. Placing the tourniquet above the injury site allows it to compress the blood vessels and cut off blood flow to the affected area without being directly over the wound, which could hinder proper application and effectiveness. Positioning it too close to the wound might not adequately occlude the artery or vein responsible for the bleeding. Additionally, applying a tourniquet within the appropriate range helps prevent further injury to the tissues surrounding the wound, allowing for better management until professional medical help can take over. This careful placement is critical in life-threatening situations where arterial bleeding is present.