Overcoming Problems in Play

FAINTING

Fainting is not in itself a serious condition but it is a fairly common one and it is often caused by the very things implicit in BDSM, such as pain, excitement, physical activity in warm atmospheres, or long periods upright without movement. A faint is the result of a lack of oxygen to the brain, either through lack of sufficient oxygen itself or of blood flow to carry the oxygen.

So let us consider what we can do to ensure safety and enjoyment

Have you considered the implication of gags or breath control?
Have you discussed problems your partner may previously have had with fainting?
Are they currently in good health? A cold or flu with resultant difficult breathing is not a good indicator for play.
Are they in a good emotional state??
Have they eaten recently but lightly?
Have you planned to include movement in the Scene to stimulate circulation?
- too long in an upright position, especially with hands raised and circulation limited by bondage may cause a faint - is the room warm enough not to cause the sub to get too cold but not too hot if they are to be very active? - Do you know how to provide First Aid if your partner does faint?
Remember that the Dom/me can often be working very hard and is also vulnerable to overheating, exhaustion and perhaps a faint

- Have you taken precautions to make sure this doesn't happen to you or to ensure your sub can get free to tend to you in an emergency?
Think of the effect on a securely bound sub if their Dom/me fainted!
medical attention is rarely necessary but would you know if it was?
Does your partner care enough to take a close interest in all of the preceding questions?
If you don't know how to deal properly with fainting learn before you need to!