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Safety: bondage

Bondage is the name of the game of tying the other in different ways, leaving him/her at your mercy. It is a lot more dangerous than a simple spanking, as you will see.

We are not trying to scare you out of bondage with this publication. Being totally defenseless and in the hands of the other feels good. It is wonderful to have the other bound and at your mercy. We only want you to know the risks, and to be prepared, for avoiding problems.

As the German philosopher Michael Schumacher (the one with Ferrari) said, “Shit happens”. And it happens especially if you are not ready for it. Be aware that we can’t anticipate everything. A lot of things can go wrong that we have not mentioned here. So, be careful, keep it safe, sane and consensual, be ready to react fast if “shit happens”, and enjoy the game..

We will, then, talk about the risks of bondage, dividing them in:

General considerations

Never use alcohol or drugs when playing any BDSM game. They reduce the judgment, and make everything dangerous.

Be sure that both of you are aware of the limits, have discussed and agreed on the rules of the scene, and know the hard limits (limits which, as the ones related to medical conditions, cannot be passed at all).

Never let somebody bound without supervision. A bound person is defenseless, and is totally dependent on the top (of course, that's the fun of it). You are responsible for your partner if you have him/her bound.

Don’t experiment when playing. The time for research is before or after the session. During it, use only techniques that you master and can safely manage.

Never tie somebody for very long, half an hour to one hour at most. If using longer-term bondage, change positions regularly.

Check periodically that the bindings do not interfere with blood circulation (cold, purple or numb limbs) or put undue pressure on soft tissue.

Double check all the equipment you will use. Be sure that it is strong enough, that it is in good condition, and that you are familiar with its functioning, its possibilities and its shortcomings. You must know how to lock it, how to unlock it, how to use it and how to set it in position. And think about how to take it out fast, even with the locks or knots under tension, if you get in trouble.

Have an alternative plan (the famous “plan B”) for releasing your sub if something goes wrong. Think about it in advance and be ready, and you will save yourself from having to think fast and under pressure, and your sub a lot of anguish (or worse).

Be alert and check with your sub continually that there are no problems, that s/he is ok, and that everything is going as planned

Don´t trust in your dexterity. Have at hand appropriate scissors or EMT shears,

a serrated blade knife with a round point

and, when possible, use quick release hardware of the type that can be opened under tension. (Look for mountaineering or sailing equipment).

If you are using metal restraints, (chains, for instance) have also a hacksaw with a set of good quality blades and a bolt cutter in your safety bag. (But don’t think that you can cut thru police handcuffs, you’ll better find those %&$@ keys). And have the safety bag with the rescue implements at hand during the session. If “shit happens”, maybe you don’t have the time to look for it.

Most locks come with a set of two or more keys. Use one key for playing, and save another in a safe and known place. Before beginning the session, check that it is still there. Just in case, be sure that your sub also knows where the duplicate keys are.

Keep all locks and padlocks closed and open them just for the game, so you know that you have the keys, and that the lock is functioning.

As the old sailors used to say, hope for the best, but be ready for the worst.

Published: 02/12/04

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