Distances A–C used to determine the recommended length of the brassard (distance D)
| Distance | Description | Rationale |
| A | Vertical length between the most superolateral point on the acromion process and the axillary fold at the point where the arm can first be seen to be separate from the torso | The closest to the torso a tourniquet can potentially be applied is the anterior axillary fold |
| B | Vertical length between the most superolateral point on the acromion process and the point at which the deltoid muscle inserts into the humerus | A tourniquet is likely to slip down from the axillary fold to the deltoid insertion in practice |
| C | Width of the combat application tourniquet | Fixed width of 40 mm |
| D | Sum of distance A+distance B+distance C | Recommended length of medical coverage of the arm |