Where should a tourniquet be placed for limb bleeding?

• A. Proximal to the wound.
• B. Distal to the wound.
• C. On the wound.
• D. On the opposite limb.

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is to stop the flow of arterial blood into the injured area by occluding the vessel before (proximal to) the wound. Placing the tourniquet proximal to the wound sits between the wound and the heart, allowing the device to collapse the artery supplying the limb and halt the bleed. If you place it distal to the wound, arterial blood can still reach the injury, so the bleeding continues. Putting a tourniquet directly on the wound or on the opposite limb won’t control the bleeding in the injured limb. When feasible, place it on bare skin about 2–3 inches (5 cm) above the wound, and tighten firmly until bleeding stops, then monitor and seek further care.