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SITUATIONS
In case of emergency, ask in a loud voice, “Is there a doctor in the dungeon?” Listed
below are some typical situations:
*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 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 the spread of HIV. Make sure spilled blood is cleaned up,
using bleach water.
*Low blood sugar/dehydration: The wise Top will have lots of water or juice
available to maintain hydration for both self and bottom, especially during a heavy
scene.
*Unconsciousness/fainting: Can be result of fear, shock or injury. See “Airway,
Breathing and Circulation section of First Aid”
FIRST AID
We can never predict how people will respond to a BDSM scene. Even the lightest
play has its risks. In the event of an emergency, ask in a loud voice “Is there a
doctor in the house or someone with advanced medical or rescue training?”. If no
one comes forward, it will be up to you to make certain that someone calls 911 and
that you are prepared to provide first aid.
It is highly recommended that every DM seek specialized training in cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. Such training is available through the American
Red Cross at a modest fee. These instructions are no substitute for a quality first aid
manual. (For further information see Standard First Aid and Personal Safety
published by the American Red Cross). Some basic concepts and measures are
shared here as reminders:
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
When someone is not breathing, it is possible that his or her heart has stopped
beating. The technique involved opening and clearing the victim’s airway by tilting
the head backward, restoring breathing by mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose
resuscitation and restoring blood circulation by external cardiac compression.
In any serious life threatening emergency, the first priority is breathing. To determine
if a victim is breathing, place the side of your face and ear next to the victim’s nose
and mouth to feel if any air is being exhaled. Also, see if the victim’s chest is rising
and falling. To determine if the victim’s heart is beating, check for a pulse at the
carotid artery in the neck.
Remember the ABCs----Airway, Breathing, Circulation
Have someone call a paramedic immediately (911)
Airway: Airway must be open
1) Place victim on back on the floor
2) Check for and remove any foreign materials in mouth
3) If there is no neck injury, gently tilt victim’s head backward by placing one hand
under victim’s neck and lifting upward. Place the heel of your other hand on victim’s
forehead and press downward as the chin is raised.
Breathing: To restore breathing
1) Keep victim’s head tilted backward
2) Using the hand on victim’s forehead, pinch nostrils together with thumb and index
finger
3) Open your mouth widely and take a deep breath
4) Place your open mouth tightly around the victim’s mouth and give four breaths in
quick succession, taking a deep breath between each blow. Continue this process at
a rate of approximately 12 breaths per minute (about one breath every five seconds)
until you see the victim’s chest rise. Quantity is important, so give plenty of air!
Stop blowing when victim’s chest is expanded. Remove your mouth from the victim’
s and turn your head towards the victim’s chest so your ear is over his mouth. Listen
for air leaving the lungs and for the chest to fall. Repeat procedure.
Circulation:
1) Check neck artery for pulse
2) If no pulse, begin cardiac compression. For one rescuer, give 15 compressions (80
per minute), then two quick breaths. For two rescuers, give 5 compressions (60 per
minute) for every one breath. Repeat until medical assistance arrives.
INJURIES
*Bleeding
Treatment:
1) Apply direct pressure using a sterile compress from first aid supplies
2) Do not disturb any blood clots that form
3) If blood soaks through the compress, do not remove the compress, but apply
another pad over it and continue with firm hand pressure over wider area
4) If bleeding is severe, raise limb above level of heart; continue direct pressure
5) Do not raise injured limb or neck if a fracture is suspected
6) Do not wrap compress so tightly as to cut off circulation
*Burns
Burns from waxing are mostly first and second-degree burns. First-degree burn
symptoms include redness, mild swelling and pain. Skin is unbroken.
Treatment:
1) Apply cold water or ice compress
2) If necessary, cover with sterile gauze or clean cloth. Do not apply butter or grease
to a burn.
Second-degree burn symptoms include redness or blotched appearance, blisters,
swelling that can last for days, moist, oozy skin surface and pain. Any one or all of
these symptoms can appear.
Treatment:
1) Apply cold water- not ice- or cold compress
2) Pat area dry, apply sterile bandage
3) Elevate burned limb if possible
4) Advise victim to seek medical attention. Do not break blisters. Do not apply
ointments, salves, sprays or other home remedies without medical advice.
Third degree burns destroy all layers of the skin, as in branding. Symptoms include
white or charred skin, destroyed skin. Little pain is actually present because nerve
endings have been destroyed. Any or all of these symptoms can be present.
Treatment:
1) Apply cold compress- no ice
2) Cover burned area with thick sterile dressing . A clean sheet or towel may also be
used.
3) Call 911
*Contusions and Bruises
Treatment:
1) Apply cold compress or ice
2) If bruise is to arm or leg, elevate the limb above the level of heart to decrease local
blood flow
3) Recommend moist heat (a warm wet compress to aid healing) after 24 hours and
medical attention if severe
*Convulsions and Seizures
Symptoms: Victim utters brief cry or shriek, rigid muscles followed by twitching
movements, interrupted breathing likely, bluish color to skin, eyes rolled upward, loss
of bowel and/or bladder control, drooling or foaming at mouth (may be bloody),
sleepiness and confusion following convulsion, unresponsiveness during seizure. Any
or all of the preceding may be present.
Treatment:
1) Try to catch a falling victim (with help) and lay victim down gently
2) Remove any surrounding objects that could cause injury
3) If breathing stops and doesn’t return after the seizure, treat for CPR
4) Do not interfere with convulsive movements, however, just ensure that victim
does not injure himself
5) Do not try to put a spoon or pencil between victim’s teeth
6) Loosen any tight clothing
7) After seizure, place victim on side to prevent choking on secretions, vomit or
blood
8) Keep crowd away
9) Check for other injuries......see Airway, Breathing and Circulation section
10) Seek medical attention promptly, particularly if followed by second convulsion
*Electric Shock
Treatment:
1) If victim is still in contact with electrical source, turn off power before touching
victim! If that’s not possible, loop a belt, rope or other non-conductive material
around victim-not the neck!- and use it to pull them to safety
2) The effect of electric shock on the heart is great. Since a person can die up to 24
hours following a strong electric shock, recommend that person seek medical
attention quickly
3) Treat according to Airway, Breathing and Circulation section
*Fainting
Recovery usually occur within a few minutes. Help victim avoid further injury....
catch as catch can! If recovery does not seem complete within a few minutes, call
911.
*Heart Attack
Have someone call 911. Loosen clothing or bonds. Keep victim warm. Treat for
Airway, Breathing and Circulation section
*Traumatic Shock
Symptoms:
1) Pale or bluish skin; cool to the touch
2) Moist clammy skin
3) Overall weakness
4) Rapid pulse (over 100)
5) Rapid breathing, shallow, irregular; deep sighing
6)Restlessness, anxiety
7) “Thirsty”
8) Nausea, vomiting
9) Sunken eyes, pupils widely dilated
10) Unresponsiveness
11) Skin blotchy, streaked (other than “marks”)
12) Possible unconsciousness
13) Any or all of above may be present
Treatment:
1) Treat for Airway, Breathing and Circulation section on page 9
2) Keep victim lying down
3) Keep warm
4) If shock is result of injury, elevate feet 8”-12”
5) If victim is experiencing chest pain (heart attack?) do not elevate feet
6) Do not give liquids if patient is unconscious
7) Reassure victim; get information from victim such as nature of problem
*Psychological Problems
Sometimes the experience of being in a scene creates new problems for the Top and
bottom. 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 and shouts of fear rather than pain, desperate struggling to
be free, as from bonds or cuffs, and displays of genuine anger rather than the typical
bottom behavior of “Oh no, Sir, please don’t do that”!
Common Psychological Problems:
1) Panic Attacks
2) Claustrophobia
3) Traumatic Flashbacks
4) Uncontrollable crying
5) Unreasonable requests for more
Most of the time the Top and bottom will be aware of the problem before it
happens. At least, we expect them to be aware. For example, before doing a
mummification, it is reasonable to expect that the Top has asked the bottom 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 reassuranc
Copyright Mistress Laya Thomas © 2004
Reproduced by permission for the BRC
This article may not be reproduced in any form, whole or in part, with express written
permission from the author. Contact Mistress Laya
Need more info on copyright law? Click here
In case of emergency, ask in a loud voice, “Is there a doctor in the dungeon?” Listed
below are some typical situations:
*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 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 the spread of HIV. Make sure spilled blood is cleaned up,
using bleach water.
*Low blood sugar/dehydration: The wise Top will have lots of water or juice
available to maintain hydration for both self and bottom, especially during a heavy
scene.
*Unconsciousness/fainting: Can be result of fear, shock or injury. See “Airway,
Breathing and Circulation section of First Aid”
FIRST AID
We can never predict how people will respond to a BDSM scene. Even the lightest
play has its risks. In the event of an emergency, ask in a loud voice “Is there a
doctor in the house or someone with advanced medical or rescue training?”. If no
one comes forward, it will be up to you to make certain that someone calls 911 and
that you are prepared to provide first aid.
It is highly recommended that every DM seek specialized training in cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. Such training is available through the American
Red Cross at a modest fee. These instructions are no substitute for a quality first aid
manual. (For further information see Standard First Aid and Personal Safety
published by the American Red Cross). Some basic concepts and measures are
shared here as reminders:
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
When someone is not breathing, it is possible that his or her heart has stopped
beating. The technique involved opening and clearing the victim’s airway by tilting
the head backward, restoring breathing by mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose
resuscitation and restoring blood circulation by external cardiac compression.
In any serious life threatening emergency, the first priority is breathing. To determine
if a victim is breathing, place the side of your face and ear next to the victim’s nose
and mouth to feel if any air is being exhaled. Also, see if the victim’s chest is rising
and falling. To determine if the victim’s heart is beating, check for a pulse at the
carotid artery in the neck.
Remember the ABCs----Airway, Breathing, Circulation
Have someone call a paramedic immediately (911)
Airway: Airway must be open
1) Place victim on back on the floor
2) Check for and remove any foreign materials in mouth
3) If there is no neck injury, gently tilt victim’s head backward by placing one hand
under victim’s neck and lifting upward. Place the heel of your other hand on victim’s
forehead and press downward as the chin is raised.
Breathing: To restore breathing
1) Keep victim’s head tilted backward
2) Using the hand on victim’s forehead, pinch nostrils together with thumb and index
finger
3) Open your mouth widely and take a deep breath
4) Place your open mouth tightly around the victim’s mouth and give four breaths in
quick succession, taking a deep breath between each blow. Continue this process at
a rate of approximately 12 breaths per minute (about one breath every five seconds)
until you see the victim’s chest rise. Quantity is important, so give plenty of air!
Stop blowing when victim’s chest is expanded. Remove your mouth from the victim’
s and turn your head towards the victim’s chest so your ear is over his mouth. Listen
for air leaving the lungs and for the chest to fall. Repeat procedure.
Circulation:
1) Check neck artery for pulse
2) If no pulse, begin cardiac compression. For one rescuer, give 15 compressions (80
per minute), then two quick breaths. For two rescuers, give 5 compressions (60 per
minute) for every one breath. Repeat until medical assistance arrives.
INJURIES
*Bleeding
Treatment:
1) Apply direct pressure using a sterile compress from first aid supplies
2) Do not disturb any blood clots that form
3) If blood soaks through the compress, do not remove the compress, but apply
another pad over it and continue with firm hand pressure over wider area
4) If bleeding is severe, raise limb above level of heart; continue direct pressure
5) Do not raise injured limb or neck if a fracture is suspected
6) Do not wrap compress so tightly as to cut off circulation
*Burns
Burns from waxing are mostly first and second-degree burns. First-degree burn
symptoms include redness, mild swelling and pain. Skin is unbroken.
Treatment:
1) Apply cold water or ice compress
2) If necessary, cover with sterile gauze or clean cloth. Do not apply butter or grease
to a burn.
Second-degree burn symptoms include redness or blotched appearance, blisters,
swelling that can last for days, moist, oozy skin surface and pain. Any one or all of
these symptoms can appear.
Treatment:
1) Apply cold water- not ice- or cold compress
2) Pat area dry, apply sterile bandage
3) Elevate burned limb if possible
4) Advise victim to seek medical attention. Do not break blisters. Do not apply
ointments, salves, sprays or other home remedies without medical advice.
Third degree burns destroy all layers of the skin, as in branding. Symptoms include
white or charred skin, destroyed skin. Little pain is actually present because nerve
endings have been destroyed. Any or all of these symptoms can be present.
Treatment:
1) Apply cold compress- no ice
2) Cover burned area with thick sterile dressing . A clean sheet or towel may also be
used.
3) Call 911
*Contusions and Bruises
Treatment:
1) Apply cold compress or ice
2) If bruise is to arm or leg, elevate the limb above the level of heart to decrease local
blood flow
3) Recommend moist heat (a warm wet compress to aid healing) after 24 hours and
medical attention if severe
*Convulsions and Seizures
Symptoms: Victim utters brief cry or shriek, rigid muscles followed by twitching
movements, interrupted breathing likely, bluish color to skin, eyes rolled upward, loss
of bowel and/or bladder control, drooling or foaming at mouth (may be bloody),
sleepiness and confusion following convulsion, unresponsiveness during seizure. Any
or all of the preceding may be present.
Treatment:
1) Try to catch a falling victim (with help) and lay victim down gently
2) Remove any surrounding objects that could cause injury
3) If breathing stops and doesn’t return after the seizure, treat for CPR
4) Do not interfere with convulsive movements, however, just ensure that victim
does not injure himself
5) Do not try to put a spoon or pencil between victim’s teeth
6) Loosen any tight clothing
7) After seizure, place victim on side to prevent choking on secretions, vomit or
blood
8) Keep crowd away
9) Check for other injuries......see Airway, Breathing and Circulation section
10) Seek medical attention promptly, particularly if followed by second convulsion
*Electric Shock
Treatment:
1) If victim is still in contact with electrical source, turn off power before touching
victim! If that’s not possible, loop a belt, rope or other non-conductive material
around victim-not the neck!- and use it to pull them to safety
2) The effect of electric shock on the heart is great. Since a person can die up to 24
hours following a strong electric shock, recommend that person seek medical
attention quickly
3) Treat according to Airway, Breathing and Circulation section
*Fainting
Recovery usually occur within a few minutes. Help victim avoid further injury....
catch as catch can! If recovery does not seem complete within a few minutes, call
911.
*Heart Attack
Have someone call 911. Loosen clothing or bonds. Keep victim warm. Treat for
Airway, Breathing and Circulation section
*Traumatic Shock
Symptoms:
1) Pale or bluish skin; cool to the touch
2) Moist clammy skin
3) Overall weakness
4) Rapid pulse (over 100)
5) Rapid breathing, shallow, irregular; deep sighing
6)Restlessness, anxiety
7) “Thirsty”
8) Nausea, vomiting
9) Sunken eyes, pupils widely dilated
10) Unresponsiveness
11) Skin blotchy, streaked (other than “marks”)
12) Possible unconsciousness
13) Any or all of above may be present
Treatment:
1) Treat for Airway, Breathing and Circulation section on page 9
2) Keep victim lying down
3) Keep warm
4) If shock is result of injury, elevate feet 8”-12”
5) If victim is experiencing chest pain (heart attack?) do not elevate feet
6) Do not give liquids if patient is unconscious
7) Reassure victim; get information from victim such as nature of problem
*Psychological Problems
Sometimes the experience of being in a scene creates new problems for the Top and
bottom. 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 and shouts of fear rather than pain, desperate struggling to
be free, as from bonds or cuffs, and displays of genuine anger rather than the typical
bottom behavior of “Oh no, Sir, please don’t do that”!
Common Psychological Problems:
1) Panic Attacks
2) Claustrophobia
3) Traumatic Flashbacks
4) Uncontrollable crying
5) Unreasonable requests for more
Most of the time the Top and bottom will be aware of the problem before it
happens. At least, we expect them to be aware. For example, before doing a
mummification, it is reasonable to expect that the Top has asked the bottom 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 reassuranc
Copyright Mistress Laya Thomas © 2004
Reproduced by permission for the BRC
This article may not be reproduced in any form, whole or in part, with express written
permission from the author. Contact Mistress Laya
Need more info on copyright law? Click here