25 If any of the above situations are present, discreetly approach the Dominant and share your observations with him or her. In most cases, making the Dominant aware of a situation will be sufficient to modify the play, either in intensity or kind. If the Dominant doesn’t agree or refuses to modify the scene appropriately, you have the authority to stop the scene. Again, use discretion.
26 Unreasonable risk. Just about everything we do has at least an element of danger, especially if it’s done right! Since Murphy’s Law is always operational, be alert for activities that present an unusual danger or potential problem. This can be especially true for people new to BDSM. Mostly, such persons are anxious to learn; however, some may be too embarrassed or insecure to seek proper instruction. For these reasons, pay special attention to:
a. Electrical and fire play
b. Any play that involves blood
c. Suspensions – including swings and slings.
d. Do the players appear to know what they’re doing?
e. Acts that attempt to defy gravity and other “death defying deeds.”
27 Risk-Aware and Consensual. Our play is based on the informed agreement of each participant. Players not only agree to engage in the activities in which they are involved. They also understand the implications of play and its consequences. For example, a submissive that agrees to participate in needle play is expected to be fully aware of what he or she is getting into! Brutality vs. clear, informed and mutually agreeable play.
EQUIPMENT REVIEW AND SAFETY CHECK
Disinfectant Bottles. The dungeon owner will provide bottle(s) of disinfectant and roll(s) of paper towels in the dungeon. Ensure that the bottles are filled and available at the beginning of your shift. Make sure that players wipe down equipment when they are done, after each scene without failure. Trash containers should be located near play areas.
First aid kit. IMAS has a well-stocked kit. Be familiar with the contents and how to use them. The first aid kit is checked regularly; however, please let one of the Officers know if an item is missing or very low. First aid kits however, are not to be used without supervision; players should be prepared for their play (such as gloves for blood play, etc).
Inspection of play equipment. Check for splinters, broken pieces or parts. Monitor equipment such as crosses for movement on the floor, or a submissive leaning over to far and tipping the unit (concern for unit tipping over and causing injury – depending on the situation, a person maybe required to sit on the unit to keep it from moving or tipping.
Fire extinguishers. Know their locations and how to use them.
Fuses, main switches. Know their locations and how to turn them off/on as necessary.
Proper use/abuse of equipment. It’s hard to abuse Dungeon equipment; however, some people may need to know how use it, for example, the rack or the pillories. Make yourself available to help players use the equipment properly.
Music. Music helps set the mood of the dungeon. Another purpose is to mask the voices of observers, which can distract players and thus endanger a scene. If anyone wishes to have the music changed or the volume adjusted, contact the dungeon owner.
Again, your primary responsibility is to keep alert on player activity.
COMMON PHYSICAL INJURIES
Anaphylactic shock. Can come from latex allergies or bee stings or any of a number of severe allergic reactions. People with extreme allergic reactions often carry “epinephrine pens” and/or antihistamine tablets. Symptoms include severe swelling, which can close off airways and cause major breathing problems. In extreme cases it can literally asphyxiate the victim. Often accompanied by itching, burning skin, watery eyes, increases in body temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate. Call 911 and treat for shock.
Asthma. Symptoms of an asthma attack include difficulty in breathing, rapid pulse, congestion, and "blocked breathing." Typically, players with asthma will have an inhaler. The wise play partner will know where the inhaler is, so it can be available quickly. Respiratory problems can also occur as a result of allergy; e.g., foods, pollen, or chemicals. Asthma can be severe. Remove person from main Dungeon and, if life threatening, call 911.
Bleeding. Unless the scene is intentionally blood sport, stop the scene and get wounds covered with antiseptic and bandages. Biggest potential danger from bleeding in the Dungeon is spread of HIV and other blood borne pathogens. Make sure spilled blood is cleaned up, using bleach water using Universal Precautions.
Low blood sugar/dehydration. The wise Dominant will have lots of water or juice available to maintain hydration for both self and submissive, especially during a heavy scene. Gatorade (or other sports drink in 50/50 solution with tepid water is the best.
Unconsciousness/fainting. Can be result of fear or shock or injury. See below for ABC first aid.
COMMON PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS
Sometimes the experience of being in a scene creates new problems for the Dominant as well as the submissive. Even the anticipation of a scene can conjure fears, images, and memories of past experiences that cause mental anguish and irrational behavior. Typical symptoms include screams or shouts of fear rather than pain; desperate struggling to be free, as from bonds or cuffs, and displays of genuineanger rather than the typical submissive behavior of “Oh, no, Sir, please don’t do that! Oohhhhhhhhhh.”
Some of the more common psychological events include:
1 Panic attacks
2 Claustrophobia
3 Traumatic flashbacks
4 Shock
5 Uncontrollable crying
Most of the time, the Dominant and the submissive will be aware of the problem before it begins. Or, at least we expect them to be aware. For example, before doing mummification, it is reasonable to expect that the Dominant has asked the submissive if he or she has claustrophobia. In cases of psychological trauma in the Dungeon, it is best to stop the scene, and allow the victim to get loving support and reassurance from the Dominant. In any event, the Dominant is expected to advise the Dungeon Master on duty if a scene will be loud, especially intense, or in any way might require special attention.
