1. d. A faint occurs because fresh blood isn't reaching the brain. The
most important thing is to get the victim on the ground and raise his legs
so that gravity will help send blood toward his head. He'll almost always
come to on his own in a few minutes, but he might not be fit to resume the
scene or do much of anything else for half an hour or more. While a faint
can occur without warning for many reasons, the most frequent cause during
bondage and s/m play is the use of poppers, which dilate blood vessels,
reducing blood pressure and making it easier for it to drain away from his
head.
2. e. Rope "burns" (abrasions) will normally heal by themselves in a day or
so. Topical ointments can reduce the pain, but the main healing agents are
air and light. Bandages can help avoid infection or further irritation, but
use only one or two loose layers of gauze. If you enjoy tight rope bondage,
the best way to prevent burns is to tie the ropes over socks, boots, gloves,
or other clothing.
3. b. A cramp occurs, most commonly in the calf area, when overextended or
overworked muscles suddenly tighten and go into spasm. The best way to break
the spasm is to gently stretch them out again, which bending your foot will
do in this case. Massage will promote blood circulation, carrying away waste
products in the overactive muscles. Applying an ice pack for 10-15 minutes
can also help the muscles relax. After the pain eases, it's better to work
the affected muscles lightly by walking around than to stay immobile, which
generally means postponing any more rigid bondage.
4. c. Alcohol won't dissolve tape adhesive, and ripping it off fast will
only maximize the damage. Various household solvents (such as Goo-Gone from
the Vermont Country Store catalog) will work, but the safest way to
neutralize duct tape's stickiness is with ordinary cooking oil, especially
if he's used the tape on your mouth or eyes - always a bad idea. The best
way to prevent problems with duct tape is simply not to apply it to bare
skin, but only over clothing or plastic wrap. For tape gags, blindfolds, or
restraints on bare skin, use gaffer's tape, which is just as strong but not
as sticky, so it peels off easily when you're finished.
5. d. How fast you use water depends on a lot of variable factors, including
your size and condition, the ambient temperature and humidity, and how hard
you're working. A man mummified in plastic wrap will sweat copiously even in
a cool room, more so if you're increasing his stress level with mind games
or by playing with his helpless body, and in any long scene he's going to
need to piss. People who are dehydrated don't always feel thirsty, so it's
not safe to rely on him to tell you when he needs water. A cup of fresh
liquid every hour should be plenty for most guys; a big bear who struggles a
lot may need more. While making him recycle his own piss could be a big
turn-on, and it's not unsafe in moderation, the piss will get more and more
concentrated (nastier and more toxic) over time, and it cannot replace the
fluid he'll lose from sweating. It's safer to combine recycling with an
adequate supply of fresh liquid.
6. b, c, d, and e are all correct. If you follow these rules of thumb when
applying restraints and checking on them during a scene, you're unlikely to
encounter serious circulatory problems. Remember that bound limbs and
genitals can retain fluid and swell up, making restraints that seemed okay
at the start too tight later on. In a rigid-bondage scene, check the
restraints at least every 15 minutes or so, especially if you're playing
near the edge with bondage that's intended to be painful or punishing.
Prolonged immobility can also reduce circulation in parts of the anatomy
that aren't directly bound, such as the thighs and buttocks, so vary your
partner's position periodically - turn him over, turn him on his side, make
him sit or stand for a while, and so on.
7. a. Nerves damaged from handcuffs that were too tight or improperly used
(such as for suspension) normally heal themselves, but it can take up to six
months for symptoms to disappear completely, depending on the extent of the
damage. Aspirin or another anti-inflammatory drug may help in the first day
or two, and hot packs, cold packs, massage, and mild exercise may also help
a little, but there's no quick cure. Normal use of the hand will generally
not have any ill effect.
8. b. While "Don't panic" is always good advice, it's never safe to assume
your partner is one of those rare souls who can hold his breath for as much
as four minutes. By the time you notice he has a problem, a minute or more
may have already gone by - especially if you were on the other side of the
room or, worse, outside of it. The safest assumption is that you have only
30 seconds to get the gag off, and any gag that can't be removed that
quickly (cutting it off if necessary) simply isn't safe. The other
suggestions may all be worthwhile preventive measures if the bottom is prone
to nasal congestion, but they won't work nearly fast enough in an emergency.
9. c and d. Some guys are too heavy to be suspended safely, and some aren't
limber enough to be hogtied without an unacceptable level of pain. That
aside, there's no reason to avoid this favorite position if you take the
indicated precautions. While breathing will always eventually become
difficult in a face-down hogtie, even without a gag, short scenes should be
no problem, and a tragic outcome is unlikely even in a longer scene as long
as the top stays alert. But if you want to hogtie your partner for the night
and get some sleep yourself, lay him on his side or tie his hands in front.
10. b. Using a knife to cut off ropes, straps, a sock gag, or a folded
bandana when you're in a hurry is asking for trouble - you're as likely to
cut him, or yourself, as to effect a speedy release. EMT shears are designed
for the job and can do it quickly and safely. But not all blunt-tipped
shears are EMT-grade; flimsy shears designed to cut paper or thin cloth are
worse than useless. And while padlocks, handcuffs, etc. generally come with
two keys, people have a bad habit of storing both keys in the same box, or
else putting one key on a ring and losing the spare. A bondage player who
uses his head will make up two duplicate rings of keys, keep one in the toy
bag or playroom, and store the other separately for emergency use. Finally,
quick-release "panic" snaps should always be used to attach critical
weight-bearing restraints. It is extremely difficult to untie, unlock, or
unbuckle restraints that are under tension, as when they're holding up a
bottom who's fainted. A panic snap stays shut because of a sliding metal
ring held in place by gravity; even with weight hanging from the snap, you
can slide the ring up and open it. If you can't find these snaps at a
regular hardware store or your favourite kink supplier, try an equestrian
shop or the climbing department in a sporting-goods store.
Visitors since 18th May 2009
