There are many risks while playing with especially rope that most people never even think about. There are some obvious things and there are levels of risk in bondage. Bondage goes from relatively average risk to severe risk and it is up to each BDSM practitioner to determine where on the spectrum they prefer to play. It is however extremely important to be aware of all the risks and to adequately prepare for all eventualities.
This actually falls within the severe risk category as it represents the number one reason for fatalities, due to positional asphyxia, in all bondage related activities. This is when a person suffocates because they are in a position that makes it difficult to breathe. Self bondage is not a good idea, but if you want to play this game, at least make sure that someone is close by, preferably within yelling distance, or that a friend has been asked to look in on you after some time has elapsed. This is your life, be responsible. If you crave bondage so much, find someone else who can tie you up.
Falling:
This is the second biggest reason for severe and relatively serious injuries when it comes to bondage related type of scenes. The risks escalate when a person wears high heels and their arms are tied in such a way that they cannot stabilize themselves. Eyebolts tearing loose from equipment while a bottom is tied up in a standing position have also lead to significant injuries. Keep close to your “victim” when you have tied them up while standing to catch them if they fall and wind rope around an eyebolt a few times to ensure that you might have some time to catch them if they do fall. This shows you how extremely important monitoring your bottom is as well.
This type of bondage can cause loss of circulation and is not recommended. When a bottom complains of numbness or tingling, loosen up the bonds as quickly as possible to prevent injury and excessive bruising too. Many bottoms cannot be seen with bruises due to personal reasons and this will not help build trust with someone you are playing with.
Playing while drinking:
This is a no-no. Not ever acceptable. A top that is intoxicated cannot look after the bottom and a bottom cannot report or focus on what is happening in their body and report any problems to the top. Playing while drinking makes any scene extremely dangerous.
Playing far from civilization:
Oh we all dream of being in that cabin where we can scream as loudly as we can and be ravished while being tied up. What happens if the dom or top suddenly has a heart attack and you are tied up with no means of escape? Ways of mitigating risk would be to let someone know where you are and to make sure that they will come out to get you should you not contact them within a certain period of time. You can also make sure that there are ways to get free of the bondage by using slipknots etc. It is also a great idea to make sure that the bottom knows some rudimentary first aid techniques.
Withholding information from your partner:
When you do not share information on medical risks such as medical conditions that could cause problems while playing such as circulation problems, you endanger both of you and also stop any of you from taking any precautions that might allow you to play safely. Also telling someone that you are experienced with rope when you aren’t can lead to problems and injuries too. Bottoms should ask for referrals before they play with someone new.
Tops playing with new equipment they have never played with before, before testing its limits and how to use it, are just plain dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. It can be even worse if this equipment fails while you are tied up. Make sure that even if you play with known equipment, that you have a kit available to free a bottom from bondage should this occur.
Natural Disasters:
This seems so far out, I know, but it happens that an earthquake strikes or that a blackout occurs during a scene due to severe weather etc. You could prepare for this by having an emergency plan during which a bottom can be freed quickly and having tools that light up in the dark placed close by so you can see them and use them safely.
Bad pain and emotional distress:
Sometimes a bottom just goes into shock or has a part of the body go into spasm. When this happens, the top needs to free the bottom quickly, treat the injury and give the bottom appropriate after care. This means bringing their blood glucose levels up again with either chocolate or juice, covering them with a blanket and generally just being there. These things happen and the top should never blame the bottom for a scene that got cut short. It is the top’s responsibility to make sure the bottom is safe at all times.
