Of the potentially survivable injuries reviewed in the 2011 Eastridge study on preventable combat deaths, of the 90.9% related to hemorrhage, 19.2% were junctional injuries. Junctional injuries were further classified as 60.8% located in the axilla or groin and 39.2% located in the cervical region. This means that 7.5% of the total potentially survivable injuries were noted to be in the neck.

Junctional hemorrhage from a wound to the neck can be challenging to treat. Unlike inguinal and axillary junctional wounds that might be treated with a junctional tourniquet applying direct pressure to the site of injury or compressing a pressure point, the risk of cerebral vascular compromise from completely stopping the blood flow makes their use unadvisable, as a rule. That said, like all junctional wounds, they are amenable to proper wound packing and pressure bandage application, and there are techniques to help maintain pressure without having to dedicate another responder to continuous application of direct pressure.

The wound should be exposed, packed with hemostatic dressing mounded to at least 1-2 inches above the skin, and direct pressure should be applied continuously for a minimum of 3 minutes. After bleeding has been controlled continue to maintain pressure on the wound. Apply a pressure bandage by wrapping an elastic bandage over the wound on the neck on the affected side, diagonally across the body and under the opposite armpit, and then secure it with a nonslip knot. Swath the upper arm on the injured side to the chest using a cravat or another bandage. Continue to reassess for hemorrhage control especially after casualty movement. Do not forget to ask other first responders to assist as needed.