A tourniquet should be placed where on a bleeding extremity?

The correct placement of a tourniquet during severe bleeding from an extremity requires that it be applied high and tight. This is crucial because a tourniquet is designed to occlude blood flow to the affected area and prevent excessive blood loss. By placing the tourniquet high, closer to the torso, you increase the likelihood of effectively stopping arterial blood flow, which is critical in life-threatening situations.

Applying the tourniquet tightly ensures that it effectively compresses the blood vessels, which is essential for controlling hemorrhage. If the tourniquet is placed low or loosely, it may not adequately stop the bleeding and could allow for continued blood loss, undermining the purpose of the tourniquet itself. Ensuring that it is both high and tight maximizes efficacy in managing traumatic injuries.