With the release of Fifty Shades of Grey, there was an increase in the amount of people trying out BDSM for the first time - and this increased the amount of cases in some emergency rooms.
If you are in a situation which goes wrong, there are important steps to take to make sure everybody's okay and gets out safely and happily. The number one rule and motto of healthy BDSM is "safe, sane and consensual" - so know the risks, be safe, and don't panic.
Don't play without educating yourself
This is a preventative measure, but the risk of accidents will be far reduced if you are well-educated about what you're doing beforehand. Particularly if it involves pain, asphyxiation, knots or constraints, don't improvise.
This is not the time to go free-jazz on something. You can start small and adjust things according to your and your partner's enjoyment, but don't aim too big too fast and don't try anything on a whim just because you "saw it once."
Stay calm
If there is a problem, you must remember not to panic. BDSM situations are predicated on vulnerability and control, and if something unsafe happens, it's crucial that everybody stay calm, because there's a person in a vulnerable position, both psychologically and physically, who will need help.
Stop immediately if there's a problem
Accidents mean the play has to stop right then. You must step out of your roles and into problem-solving mode. The second the safe word happens, even if it's not for reasons of accidental pain or distress, things cease: this is a basic part of BDSM practice.
Take off all blindfolds and impediments, turn on useful lights, and pull your pants back on.
Keep your partner informed
If you're the one who's trying to solve the problem, whether it's handcuffs that have broken, a knot that's lodged in a peculiar spot, or broken skin, don't leave your partner out of the loop. Keep updating them calmly on what you're doing and what your plans are, particularly if they can't see what's going on.
Act at a proper pace
Just because something isn't actively life-or-death at the moment doesn't mean it needs to be taken slowly. At the same time, though, ripping frenziedly at locked knots or bandaging somebody haphazardly in your haste won't help the situation at all. Deep breath. Be fast but thorough.
Know some basic first aid
If you're going to start doing anything that might draw blood, involve bodily fluids or bruise, know what to do if those things happen or become unexpectedly intense. Basic first aid on cuts, bruises, and anything with foreign objects will come in handy.
Periodically check in
If you're the partner helping the situation, keep checking the vulnerable person's mental state, and what you can do to make them feel comfortable and safe. If you're the one who's been stuck or hurt, or you both are, be open about what you need and what might make you feel better, and be honest about what the pain is.
Don't struggle or start getting angry and finding fault; you need to solve the problem first.
Be willing to sacrifice equipment
Knots can often be untied by going back to first principles on them, handcuffs can be picked with a bobby pin, and so on. (Whatever you're using, it's a good idea to at least have a vague concept of how to get out of it if things go wrong.)
But if it comes down to it, it gets cut or snapped. Don't think twice. I don't care how expensive the equipment is.
Don't be ashamed to get help
If it's something you seriously cannot solve by yourself or things are pretty serious, call for help. Do not make up a story about it to medical professionals, either. Being frank and honest will save a lot of time and a lot of confused looks in the emergency room.
Visit Jenni's blog for more info