Where should a tourniquet be placed on the leg?

The tourniquet should be placed 2 to 3 inches above the wound for several important reasons. First, the primary function of a tourniquet is to control severe bleeding from a limb, and placing it too close to the wound might not sufficiently occlude the arterial blood flow if the injury is deeper or if there are collateral blood vessels supplying blood to the wound area.

By positioning the tourniquet 2 to 3 inches above the wound, you ensure it can effectively compress the artery against the bone and minimize blood loss. This location also helps to avoid any potential injury or damage to the tissue surrounding the wound which could exacerbate bleeding or complicate treatment.

Additionally, placing the tourniquet at the knee joint would not be appropriate, as it can compromise the joint and potentially lead to further injury. Similarly, placing it as far down the leg as possible would not be effective in controlling the bleeding from a major wound that is located higher on the leg. Remember, the goal is to maximize the tourniquet's efficacy while minimizing any unintended harm.