Where should a tourniquet be applied on a person with a mid forearm wound?

Applying a tourniquet to a location about 2 to 3 inches above the wound is critical because it promotes effective control of bleeding by directly occluding the blood flow to the injured area. When a tourniquet is placed above the wound, it can effectively compress the blood vessels without interfering with the damaged tissues directly, reducing the risk of further injury or complications.

If a tourniquet is applied directly on the wound, it may not adequately achieve hemostasis and could potentially cause more harm by pressing on the injury itself or causing additional tissue damage. Applying it at the wrist or at the elbow joint, while they might seem appropriate, could either be too far from the site of injury or lead to complications, such as failing to stop the bleeding effectively. By positioning the tourniquet 2 to 3 inches above the wound, the best chance at controlling the hemorrhage while minimizing additional risks is achieved.