When it comes to solitary confinement, many health and safety issues need to be taken into consideration. Perhaps the most important is always having a means of communicating with your sub during erotic power exchange play. No matter how much you wish her to feel she has no way out, it is essential you are able to monitor her condition at any time and that she is able to send warning signals if she becomes overly distressed.

The several options available will vary with the type of confinement area you have. Commonly used, is a simple doorbell, the push button being placed in an obvious spot in the room, cage or cell. Obviously, as with a safe word, it should be used only in the event of an emergency, and there might be an appropriate punishment administered for inappropriate use of this alarm system.

Another effective method of communication is an intercom. The type used to monitor babies is relatively inexpensive, easy to install and is often easily set up so you can monitor your sub independently without any direct action on her part. Intercoms are especially effective when your sub is tied or cuffed and is unable to reach anything with her hands. It also allows the dom to pick up audible signals that may indicate impending distress, such as accelerated breathing or restless behavior. If you have a video camera allowing instant play on your tv-set, or a web cam, this may also be a very effective instrument for monitoring your sub’s condition and behavior.

SUPERVISION

In the event the confinement is going to last long, you need to be certain of two things. First, there should be supervision at all times. If you must leave, you need to delegate this job to another reliable person. If no such person is available, you need to temporarily release your sub.

Secondly, be sure you have a communication backup your sub can use in the event you fall asleep or have an accident. An intercom in addition to a loud doorbell or horn will allow your sub to wake you if she is in distress. Experienced doms often allow their sub the availability of a telephone in the confinement area, so she can call for help should anything happen to the dom. Remember, no matter how infallible you think you are, or how good a condition you are in, there can always be an accident. Do NOT allow an accident to turn into a disaster as a result of ignorance.

Leave at least one (set of) spare key(s) in the immediate vicinity of the confinement area door. In the event you or someone else needs to act quickly, there will be no time lost searching for keys or breaking locks. If you sub is cuffed, include keys for these locks as well.

An even better idea is to order a set of padlocks with the same cylinder, requiring the same key to open them. You can order these at no extra cost from any hardware store. You will never again have to search for the right key and will not have to carry all sorts of different keys around. Marking locks and corresponding keys may seem like a good safety measure but if you are in a hurry the markings will not help you sort out five, six or ten different locks and keys any more quickly. Sticking to the one key fits all locks policy will insure you are really playing it safe.

Always test locks and alarm systems prior to each use. If there is even the slightest hint of failure, throw the lock away and use another one, and be sure to have a defective alarm or monitoring system repaired or replaced prior to using it again. If the confinement lasts long, conduct several tests for your safety system so you always know it is still fully functional. Battery operated systems especially have a tendency to NOT function when you need them to. Replace batteries often. If the confinement area is dark be sure to have a WORKING flashlight available directly next to the entrance (actually this is standard equipment for any dungeon or play room). Another piece of essential safety equipment is a fire extinguisher in or very near the room. Be sure it works and that YOU know how to work IT. If you have any doubt, contact your local fire department for a quick lesson on its use.

THINGS TO WATCH FOR

A common problem accompanying confinement is claustrophobia. The psychological effects of confinement on one’s imagination are powerful and unpredictable and you should never assume nothing will happen. Even if your sub has never shown signs of claustrophobia before, there is no guarantee it will not happen the next time. On the other hand, if it happens once that does not necessarily mean something will happen the next time as well. Monitor your subs response to each session on an individual basis.

Signs of impending claustrophobia include sweating, paleness, shallow rapid breathing, cold hands and feet, rapid eye movement, nausea, belly cramps and compulsory (head) movements. The ensuing panic often leads to rapid deep breathing, increased heart rate and hyperventilation. The situation should be dealt with immediately. Release your sub, have her lie down and cover her with a warm blanket if she has become cold. Help her to slow her breathing or breathe into a paper bag (as opposed to the urban legend NEVER use plastic bags) is she is feeling dizzy or disoriented. Comfort her and in no way underestimate or ridicule her fears.

To Be Continued…

All articles are provided for informational or entertainment purposes only. We are NOT responsible for any injures or other results that participating or partaking in such activities might cause. Everything you read on this page is based on the personal opinion of the author and does not always reflect those of the owners and / or staff of Wasteland. If you try anything found in this article, you do so at your OWN risk!

Always remember! SAFETY FIRST! and please use common sense.

The above article is a reprint from our information/educational site Kink Culture.
A joint project between Wasteland and PowErotics
Copyright © Hans Meyer