Editor’s comment: Thanks to Protein for compiling this extensive First Aid information section. This information is provided at face value, as guidance and information only. You use, or don’t use, the information and guidance at your own risk. Neither its author, DogTrainer1974 nor MENinROPE.com accept any liability from any action or inaction on your part. Make your own informed decision on what you do or don't do and what risks you are prepared to take.

I have great pleasure in compiling this comprehensive first aid information at the request of DOGTRAINER1974 and hope all who read it find it of value. I have included only those issues I felt were common to bondage and rope play but if you feel something is missing then please feel free to ask and I will provide relevant sensible help where possible. 

I personally feel you the reader should understand my background and why I am able to give the advice that follows. I have been involved in medicine since 1988 when I became a combat medical technician in the Royal Army Medical Corps and since then have been an advanced first aid instructor and am currently a registered qualified nurse, OH and yes I am into bondage and rope play :o)

Whilst the following information may prove useful it cannot substitute for undertaking a course in basic first aid, which I would always recommend particularly for the CPR section if for no other reason.

It is important to know your play partner very well not only because it fosters a greater level of trust but further they are able to gauge if all is going well and that neither you or they are having difficulties.

I recommend that you make sure you know in advance of any potential problems or medical conditions your partner may have such as Asthma, Epilepsy, Narcolepsy (sudden falling asleep), Cardiac or Circulatory problems, As these more than any others can pose a danger to you and your partner during play.

I would suggest the following items be in a standard first aid kit and all available from any well stocked chemist/pharmacy even some of the leading supermarkets. NB, where possible choose hypoallergenic products to reduce the risk of adverse reactions

•Sterile gauze  

•Crepe or elastic bandage

•Triangular bandage

•Sterile plasters various sizes

•Sterile eye patch

•A selection of wound dressings such as mepilex or medipore

•Surgical tape

•Selection of safety pins

•Sharp pair of scissors (dressing scissors ideal)

•Antiseptic spray or wipes

•Antiseptic cream

•Sterile eyewash (various brands available)

•Burn spray or cream

•Witch hazel lotion or wipes

•Ibuprofen gel

If you are going to a show away from home I would also recommend you get a small cool bag, make sure the little blocks that you can get to keep the items cold are always kept in your freezer ready for use. Put a bottle or two of boiled cooled water and a couple of face cloths or hand towel in to improvise a cold compress if needed. Never put the ice blocks directly against the skin this will cause an ice burn use the face cloth or towel as a barrier and not for any longer than 15 minutes at a time with a 5-minute break in between applications.

•ROPE BURNS

If the burn is dirty flush with water and use the burn spray or cream on the wound, if the skin is broken then apply a clean dressing over the top once cleaned and treated. If you wish you may use lavender oil but only 24hrs after the burn has been made, this is proven to aid healing and minimise scar tissue if you prefer you can simply reapply the burn cream.

•BRUISING

Treat by applying a wet cold face cloth or towel to the bruised area (hence the cool bag for shows or playing away from home such as outdoors) a bruise merely indicates some capillary damage similar to that caused when shaving although the blood is forced to the surface by the movement of the muscles and tendons. If a minor bruise has appeared but you suspect it is going to get bigger wipe the area with witch hazel which is renowned for drawing out bruises (it may get worse before it gets better but it will heal quicker) unfortunately bruises disappear faster in some people than others. 

•WELTS

Treat as you would bruise provided the surface of the skin is not broken. If the skin is broken do not use the witch hazel use the antiseptic cream or spray or wipes and cover with a dry dressing.

•CUTS

A cut needs to be treated based upon how it occurred, if there is no risk of foreign objects in the cut then applying direct pressure with a dressing over the wound until the bleeding stops is sufficient. If there is the possibility of a foreign object in the wound then indirect pressure only must be used, for the arm this is the brachial artery (located directly under the bicep muscle no longer than 10 minutes then slowly release and if bleeding continues reapply and repeat till bleeding stops) for the legs the femoral artery (located at the apex of the leg & groin very difficult to keep pressure on pushing through the large muscle mass the best method is to dig your heel in and use your body weight no more than 15 minutes for this area and follow as for brachial)

As with any bleeding where possible elevate the limb to reduce blood flow to that area (UNLESS QUALIFIED DO NOT USE A TOURNIQUET) be aware if your play partner has taken a course of aspirin or anticoagulant therapy such as digoxin or warfarin you may need to seek further medical help these drugs work to thin the blood and a clotting agent may be needed. They also make the individual far more prone to bruising.

•CRAMPS

If your play partner experiences cramps release the bondage slowly and massage the affected area as feeling increases and the cramp subsides encourage your partner to move the affected limb either moving arms in circular motions or walking around to encourage extra blood to the affected area (NO SALT DOESN’T PREVENT CRAMPS)

•STRAINS & SPRAINS

A cold compress is best treatment for a sprain you can use the blue block from your cool bag wrapped in the towel or face cloth no longer than 15 minutes with a 5-minute break before reapplying if required.

A strain can have a cold compress but this will only give mild relief for a very short period of time and it would be better to use the ibuprofen gel rubbed into the area (providing your partner is not allergic to it)

It is then possible to take further medication later such as ibuprofen tablets (if taking ibuprofen tablets then discontinue the ibuprofen gel or you will overdose) you may prefer paracetamol or another pain relief medication but always follow the patient instruction leaflets contained in the boxes or on the bottle of medication

(IF UNSURE ASK THE PHARMACIST THEY ARE PERFECT TO ASK FOR MEDICATION QUESTIONS AND INTERACTIONS BETWEEN MEDICATION)

I will now cover what is commonly referred to as Hang Harness Syndrome or Swinging Sleep Syndrome there are other names but the primary name I felt based on research was the Hang Harness Syndrome and should be known to most experienced rope players although even I found masses of data the most useful actually being from the Health and Safety Executive here in the UK (Although they were not researching it from a kink perspective more a rock climbing and similar aspects) if only they knew ;o)

The file is available in pdf at the following link: http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/crr_pdf/2002/crr02451.pdf

It is 116 pages long and yes I read every bit and believe me well worth reading because I am only covering the absolute basics and there are some great diagrams to look at and some relevant medical terms if you want to get very technical. It covers several different areas of research on the subject comparing signs and symptoms for different harnesses so go look I would recommend it

To minimise the risk of Hang harness syndrome you should always use a harness which is fully adjustable and suited to the wearer however, I realise some individuals very skilled in rope work use only rope to create their harness and this is fine but be aware thinner rope cuts off circulation quicker because its surface area is smaller and damage may be less noticeable. 

•WARNING SIGNS

Rapid pulse, which is followed by a slow pulse (the slow pulse is a MAJOR DANGER SIGN and if not dealt with the person is in imminent danger of sever damage possibly in sever cases loss of life)

•Nausea

•Palpitations

•Profuse sweating

•Confusion

•Paleness

•Loss of or greying of vision

•Fainting

(BE AWARE THAT EVEN IF YOUR PARTNER GOES INTO THEIR OWN WORLD OF PLEASURE DURING THIS PRACTICE IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO FOLLOW COMMANDS OR ACKNOWLEDGE YOU EFFECTIVELY STOP THE PLAY IMMEDIATELY AND RELEASE THEM BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY)

•EMERGENCY TREATMENT

1.Loosen legs and allow your partner to flex and move them assist if needed to encourage the blood flow and increase oxygen to the limbs this applies also to their arms. 

2.Remove all bindings and sit your partner against a wall with their knees to their chest in a hugging motion their arms clasped around their knees. 

3.Encourage your partner to take regular deep controlled breaths in through the nose out through the nose and mouth continue until they feel completely recovered and then give small sips of cool water and rest.

NB if your partner has become unconscious then release them immediately and place in the recovery position until they start to come round which should be rather quickly however they can still be very disorientated for up to 10 minutes after becoming conscious. As soon as they start to become conscious follow the relevant parts of points 2 & 3 you may need to sit them up yourself even if it means kneeling behind them and holding them up your self.

At all times continue talking to your partner reminding them where they are and that they are safe this is very important as it aids the recovery and assists the calming process.

I hope the First aid information has proven useful to you however I would still suggest attending a first aid course and at the least buying a first aid book to learn how to perform the recovery position. There are many books available or you could photocopy relevant sections and diagrams from books in your local library.

REMEMBER PLAY SAFE AND HAVE FUN BUT ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN HOWEVER WELL PLANNED A SESSION AND IF UNSURE SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION DO NOT WAIT INCASE THINGS IMPROVE

Protein

www.recon.com/slimlthrsub