Where should a tourniquet be applied in relation to a wound?

Applying a tourniquet 2-4 inches above the wound is crucial for effectively controlling severe bleeding from a limb injury. This placement helps ensure that the tourniquet can occlude the blood flow from the major arteries supplying the injured area without being applied directly over the wound itself. Direct application over the wound could interfere with assessing the injury and could lead to complications such as tissue damage due to excessive pressure, as well as potential infection risks.

The 2-4 inch interval also allows for effective compression of the blood vessels while minimizing the risk of damaging soft tissue that could occur if the tourniquet were placed too close to the wound. Properly placed tourniquets are critical in emergency situations as they can significantly reduce the risk of exsanguination and improve the victim's chances of survival until further medical treatment is available. This method of application is in line with established emergency medical practices and guidelines for trauma management.