If a person complains of pain while you are tightening a tourniquet, what action should you take?

When a person complains of pain while you are tightening a tourniquet, continuing to tighten the tourniquet while providing reassurance is the appropriate action to take. The primary goal of a tourniquet is to control severe bleeding, and it is designed to create enough pressure to stop blood flow to the affected area. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience pain as the tourniquet is applied, as it exerts pressure on tissues and nerve endings.

By reassuring the person, you help to alleviate their anxiety, which can be particularly important in a stressful situation such as severe bleeding. It is crucial to emphasize that the pain is a temporary condition that serves a life-saving purpose. Loosening the tourniquet could lead to a return of blood flow, potentially resulting in uncontrolled bleeding, which poses a greater risk to the individual.

This course of action reflects the balance between the immediate need to control bleeding and the comfort of the individual, adhering to the principles of first aid. Other options such as ignoring the complaint or applying a cold compress do not effectively address the need for urgent medical intervention in cases of significant bleeding.