Which statement correctly reflects the Tourniquet Placement Rule?

Which statement correctly reflects the Tourniquet Placement Rule?

• A. Place the tourniquet directly over a joint
• B. Place the tourniquet 1 inch above the wound
• C. Place the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound, not over joint
• D. Place the tourniquet below the wound

Answer: (C)

Proper tourniquet placement aims to occlude arterial flow to the part of the limb beyond the injury while avoiding spots that compromise effectiveness or cause harm. The best approach is to position the tourniquet two to three inches above the wound on the limb, and never directly over the wound or a joint. This location sits on solid soft tissue, providing a stable surface for the pad to press evenly and effectively compress the underlying artery. Being proximal to the wound ensures circulation to distal tissues is interrupted, which helps control bleeding. Placing over a joint is avoided because joints are mobile and often have uneven or bony surfaces, which can cause the tourniquet to slip or apply pressure ineffectively, reducing its ability to occlude the vessel. Placing too close to the wound can irritate or reopen tissue and may not achieve reliable arterial compression. So, the 2-3 inch rule above the wound and away from joints yields the most reliable control of bleeding.

Proper tourniquet placement aims to occlude arterial flow to the part of the limb beyond the injury while avoiding spots that compromise effectiveness or cause harm. The best approach is to position the tourniquet two to three inches above the wound on the limb, and never directly over the wound or a joint. This location sits on solid soft tissue, providing a stable surface for the pad to press evenly and effectively compress the underlying artery. Being proximal to the wound ensures circulation to distal tissues is interrupted, which helps control bleeding. Placing over a joint is avoided because joints are mobile and often have uneven or bony surfaces, which can cause the tourniquet to slip or apply pressure ineffectively, reducing its ability to occlude the vessel. Placing too close to the wound can irritate or reopen tissue and may not achieve reliable arterial compression. So, the 2-3 inch rule above the wound and away from joints yields the most reliable control of bleeding.