_Answer._ The most efficient and available method is the application of PRESSURE on the artery BETWEEN THE WOUND AND THE HEART. Under ordinary circumstances this can be most effectively done with what is called a _field tourniquet_, which is simply a handkerchief passed around the limb above the wound, the ends of which are then tied together. A pad is then made, either of cloth rolled up, a piece of wood, or a round stone about the size of a hen’s egg well wrapped, or any substance from which a firm pad can be quickly made, which is placed over the artery. The handkerchief is then placed over the pad and a short stick put through it on the opposite side of the limb and twisted around until the pad compresses the artery firmly. While the tourniquet is being prepared, some one should compress the artery with his fingers or thumb, so as to prevent as much loss of blood as possible. QUESTION 549. _What is the position of the arteries in the body and how can their location be known?_ [Illustration: Fig. 230.] _Answer._ The position of the principal arteries is shown in fig. 230. They proceed from the heart _h_ with branches, _a_, _a_, and _b_, _b_, which extend along each limb. These branches subdivide again below the knees and elbows, and again in the hands and feet. The position of the arteries can be felt by their pulsation at almost any part of them, but when they are buried below the muscles it is more difficult than when they are near the surface. QUESTION 550. _In case of a wound and rupture of the arteries in the arm, what should be done?_ _Answer._ The artery at _a_ should be firmly compressed with the thumb until a bandage and pad from which a tourniquet can be made are prepared. The pad should then be applied over the artery and compressed as explained in answer to Question 548. The bleeding can also be stopped by placing a round piece of wood or other form of pad between the arm at _a_ and the body and then tying the arm tightly against the body, so that the pad will be pressed against the arm. QUESTION 551. _In case of rupture to an artery below the knee, where should the pressure be applied?_ _Answer._ The artery approaches near the surface at _c_, _c_, immediately back of the knee, where it is represented in dotted lines in fig. 230. Pressure should therefore be applied at that point first with the thumb until a tourniquet can be applied. The bleeding can also be stopped by elevating the leg and allowing it to rest on the back of a chair or other similar support. The weight of the leg will then bring sufficient pressure on the artery to stop the bleeding. A towel or other soft material should be placed over the back of the chair, so that the pressure will not be too painful to the sufferer. QUESTION 552. _If an artery is ruptured in the leg above the knee, where should the pressure be applied?_