How should a tourniquet be placed for severe bleeding?

• A. Apply soft side down, 2 in above wound and secure
• B. Place around limb and secure directly over the wound
• C. Place the tourniquet with the soft side against the skin, 2 inches above the wound and secure
• D. Tie a knot around the limb below the wound

Answer: (C)

Controlling severe limb bleeding relies on cutting off arterial blood flow by placing a tourniquet properly proximal to the injury. The correct approach is to place the tourniquet around the limb with the soft side against the skin, about 2 inches (5 cm) above the wound, and secure it tightly. The soft surface against the skin protects tissue and helps prevent the device from digging in, while placing it above the wound ensures pressure is applied to the artery feeding the injured area, effectively stopping the bleed. If you place the tourniquet directly over the wound or below it, it either won’t stop the arterial bleed or won’t address the source of bleeding. A simple knot around the limb without a proper securing method may not provide adequate, continuous pressure to control the hemorrhage.