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First Aid and cleaning of toys First Aid and Safety As a member of the BD&SM community there are subjects that I see that are over looked. First aid and Safety are one of those. I recently attended a meeting where this was the topic of the meeting as it pertains to the BD&SM lifestyle. The Following is what was covered at that meeting and posted with permission. In case of an emergency In this lifestyle we tend to be private about a lot of aspects of our lives, but sometimes this can cause a few problems. Example: You meet with your partner who you think you know everything about and in most cases you probably do...Except for one thing...Who to contact in case of emergency. It may be a good idea to make a card with someone to contact in the event of something happening, your allergies, and current medications. You can seal it in an envelope not to be opened unless it is an emergency. Traveling Sometimes people travel to meet with their partner, weather it be via airplane or car. It is always a good idea to locate the nearest hospital to where you will be staying. Sample information: My name is__________________please contact__________________in the event of an emergency. I wish to go to __________________hospital, located at________________. I am allergic to _______________________________________________________________. My current medications are___________________________________________________. Your partner SHOULD know of your health issues. This is for your safety. Health concerns Weather you play hard or soft, long periods of time or short certain illnesses should be discussed with your partner no matter if they are chronic or acute. Some major concerns are: ANTICOAGULANTS These are otherwise known as blood thinners, in short means it reduces the formation of blood clots. As you already know blood clotting is what stops us from bleeding. A person who is prescribed these medications should be concerned with certain types of play. This person more times than not will bruise faster and worse than the someone else a big concern is being cut either intentionally or not intentionally. If you get cut or cut someone who is on this type of medication apply slight to mild pressure until the bleeding subsides. If it is a deep wound or a large wound, medical attention may be necessary and is advised. Hard impact play can cause problems as well an example is internal bleeding. Also, if you see blood in the urine it may be a good idea to get checked out. Keep in mind alcohol can increase the risks associated with a blood thinner. Please do not forget the top can get hurt while playing, so both parties need to be aware of this medication. DIABETES diabetes is a disease in which the body dose not properly use or produce insulin. A person who has diabetes should check their blood sugar with a blood glucose monitor. This persons partner should also know how to use the device in the event of the diabetic can not do it for themselves. The partner should know the signs and symptoms of high blood sugar and low blood sugar. Some of the symptoms are alike so it is important to check. Some symptoms of high blood sugar include, dry mouth, thirst, blurry vision, frequent urination, dizziness, fatigue and sometimes unconsciousness. Symptoms of low blood sugar are sweating, shaking, dizziness, confusion, headache and anxiety. It is always a good idea to have an emergency snack on hand IE: glucose tabs (can buy at any pharmacy) peanut butter, crackers, orange juice. When endorphins fly high while in any form of play sometimes blood sugar levels drop and for some they soar high. This goes both ways for the top and bottom. It is smart idea for the top to watch the bottom as the bottom may not have buckling knees and spacing because you are the best top ever, it could be because of a blood sugar issue. The tope who is yielding everything from three toy bags and so very excited can also be in danger and end up on the floor. Which leads to quick release restraints. Make sure your bottom can get him/herself free in the event of an emergency. Talk about a subspace killer, if you had to watch your top helpless on the floor and you are a little “tied up”. How would you help? Come to think of it not sure hoe good of an alibi that would be. Please keep in mind diabetics do not heal as fast or as well as someone without diabetes. PACEMAKERS (a device that mechanically affects the heart) violet wands and or any electrical device can affect these, and extra special care is necessary.. Safest bet do not use them. It can also be dangerous for the top to use electrical devices as they may accidently touch themselves with the device. ALLERGIES people can be allergic to just about anything and we are all different. Some frequently used things in the lifestyle are: latex, wax, rope, hemp, paint, polyurethane, wood and OMG leather to name a few. Know your partners allergies. If they have an Epi-pen (a shot people inject when they come in contact or ingest something there are allergic to) make sure you know how to use it. Ask your partner they know how if they have it. Make sure the pen is handy and not in the bottom of a bag somewhere. It may not be a bad idea to carry some benadryl in your first aid kit (as long as they are not allergic to it) just to help you along until you get medical attention. Anaphylactic shock is not fun for anyone. So be aware of any and all allergies. ASTHMA Make sure you know if your partner is an asthmatic and nut just a really good heavy breather. Have the inhaler if they have one in reach, so in case it is needed you do not have to hunt for it. Make sure your partner knows how to use it as well. COMMUNICABLE DISEASES INCLUDING STD’s, if you are aware that you have something you can give to someone else it is very important you share this information. If it is to embarrassing to you to do this don’t play. It is totally unfair to infect someone knowingly. Whether it be sex or sharing toys with others you can spread just about anything that is spreadable. I know this is a touchy subject but none the less important. Tops...though it may be fun to hit someone with a toy and draw blood it is not fun for the bottom if you turn around and hit someone else with it before it is cleaned and dried. Sharing your toys carries a high risk of transmitting different infections. If it’s not properly cleaned and then shared, anything that goes into a person’s rectum and or vagina could transmit HIV or other STD’s. Any toy that draws blood can also be a risk for transmitting hepatitis A, B, and C. This goes for insertables...never a bad idea to cover an insertables with a condom..if you cannot afford them most health departments give them out by the bag full. If you find yourself without when in need ask to borrow one. Safety first! Having another STD such as gonorrhea, syphilis or genital herpes can increase the risk of HIV transmission. Even if you don’t have any obvious symptoms of that STD. STD’s like herpes can be transmitted simply by touching moist skin to moist skin. Other STD’s like HIV may require more intimate contact involving mucosal membranes, such as the ones int the back of the throat, in the vagina, in the penis, or in the rectum. The best tools we have to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV and most other STD’s are the use of condoms, dental dams, medical examination gloves, female condoms, and regular testing for and treatment of HIV and other STD’s. by remembering these basics you can make any kind of sex safer. By being interested in your health and practicing safer sex, you are doing a lot of help stop the transmission of HIV, hepatitis and other STD’s. BURNS First degree and second degree burns. These types of burns usually heal quickly with minimal care. Immerse the burn in cool or cold water. Ideally you should hold the burned area under cold running water for about five minutes or till the pain goes away. Do not put ice on the burn, as this can cause further damage to the skin. Protect the wound with sterile bandages. Do not apply the bandage tightly over the wound, as this will irritate the skin. Take an analgesic (pain reliever). Any of the common over the counter pain relievers will work. Look out for the signs of infection. Infection is uncommon with burns of this type, but is possible if the blisters pop open. Second degree burns covering a larger area and third degree burns and any significant burns on the face, hands, feet, groin, a large joint (knee or elbow) should be treated as major burns. WITH ALL MAJOR BURNS, SEEK MEDICAL HELP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Follow the steps below to care for these burns until you can get the injured person into the care of a doctor. Call for emergency services immediately. DO NOT REMOVE ANY EMBEDDED CHARRED CLOTHING OR MATERIAL. Removing clothing from burned areas is likely to cause bleeding. However, if not stuck to the burn , you should remove jewelry and unburned clothing if may constrict the burned area. Apply cool, wet compresses to the burned area for a very brief period of time. This will reduce body temperature somewhat. However, do not use ice or immerse the affected area in cold water for extended periods of time. Be prepared to treat the burn victim for shock. Look for shock symptoms weak, rapid pulse, clammy skin, disorientation or unconsciousness, nausea. Cover the burned area with cool, moist, sterile bandages. If possible, elevate the burn above the heart. This procedure will assist in reducing the likelihood of severity of shock. Stay with the person until help arrives. SEIZURES If you are someone that has epilepsy or has seizures you need to tell your partner ahead of time. The use of strobe lights or lighting can cause people with epilepsy to go into a seizure. You must tell your partner what to do and what not to do if one were to happen. If you have a person that goes into a senior. DO NOT TRY AND HOLD THAT PERSON DOWN. You can get hurt or possibly knocked out if you do so. DO NOT TRY AND PLACE ANYTHING IN THERE MOUTH, SUCH AS A BELT OR SOMETHING FOR THEM TO BITE DOWN ON. Let the seizure pass and try and get the person on there left side. Also try and place a book or something down so there air passage is straight and clear. Refer to the medical sheet as to what to do if one were to happen and for any medication and medical assistance to be rendered. CLEANING OF TOYS AND FIRST AID MATERIALS There are a lot of STD’s and other diseases such as AIDS, HIV and hepatitis than can be contracted from cross contamination from not properly cleaning the instruments or toys in question. Also, if you do not clean after each person and before each use, then that will cause cross contamination. BLOOD SAFETY KIT A blood safety kit normally contains: Gloves, antibacterial soap and or wipes, alcohol, betadine, peroxide, neosporin, newskin, paper towels, tissues, cotton balls, sterile gauze pads, bandages and band-aid, adhesive tape, gauze wrap, towels, sharps container, wavicide, antibacterial citrus and a drop cloth (disposable plastic picnic table cover). If you are playing with needles a cork or Styrofoam should be included to keep track of the number of needles you have used. Smelling salts and a snack and a beverage should readily be available. CLEANING According to Brown University: the basic cleaning supplies for most of the toys and instruments we use in our lifestyle are as follows: 10 to 1 parts water and bleach, iodine, alcohol (isopropyl) 70% to 91%, bactericidal. Some people should not use some of these cleaners. If you have an allergy to shellfish, iodine is not for you. If you are taking disulfiram or antabuse then alcohol in not the cleaner to use. Even leather can be leaned with a diluted solution of bleach and water. You may want to use a leather cleaner with a conditioner such as “RMS Own Leather Care”, saddle soap or “jayel beeswax dressing”. Afterwards to protect your investment. If you are using reusable steel items an autoclave works best to sterilize. They do make portable personal ones for public use, or you may want to contact your local tattoo shop and work up a deal with them to see if you can use their’s. Some retailers give some different advice: CYBERSKIN: Is one of the most life like feeling material out in the market today. It is made from a combination of silicone and plastic that simulates the softness of skin. It is smooth, soft and flexible. It is porous just like latex and jelly so it must be cleaned carefully with soap and warm water or with a cyberskin cleaning solution. It is important that you do not immerse a cyberskin toy in water. Make sure the toy is completely dry before storage and keep it away from direct sunlight. UR3 material was developed to feel like real skin and they have succeeded, it looks and feels very similar to real skin. It is smooth, soft and flexible almost just like cyberskin. Compared to other life like material it is probably the easiest to clean and care for. Wash your UR3 toy wit mild soap and warm water then towel dry with a soft towel, do not use paper towel. Small, loose paper towel materials are sometimes left on the surface of the UR3. Allow to completely dry before storage. We suggest that you apply manufacturer supplied powder to maintain the suppleness of your toy’s texture. Keep your toy out of direct sunlight, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause the material and color to fade. FUTUROTIC: Is a close clone of real skin. It is smooth, soft, and so flexible. This porous material can be cleaned with hot water and a damp cloth with mild soap. Allow to dry completely before storage. Do not immerse in water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or strong soaps. Keep its softness and life-like feel by sprinkling with cornstarch or talc powder. Most futurotic toys come with complimentary vial of talc. Store in a clean place, away from sunlight. It is better to separate storage between futurotic toys and rubber so they will not stick together. PLASTIC SEX TOYS: Generally have hard, perfectly smooth exteriors and are inflexible. Cleaning is easy, all you need is a wet wash cloth with mild soap and some sex toy cleaner to wipe the toy off. Most plastic vibrators are not waterproof unless specified. Avoid washing them directly under running water. SILICONE: Is an extremely strong, high quality material that is very easy to clean. Hot water and some soap are the only requirements to clean this toy. Silicone is such a high quality material that non-mechanical silicone toys can actually be boiled or run through the dishwasher. Silicone is non-porous too. Because of its non-porous nature it is less likely than latex and jelly to allow bacteria to grow. Condoms are essential to partners who share a dildo, but if you don’t silicone might be the least likely to trap and spread germs. Using a silicone toy or instrument lessens the risk of spreading germs between users. JELLY: the best way to clean jelly toys is with warm water. A bit of soap and water will work, but will not sterilize the surface. It may be a good idea to pick up some cleaner specifically designed for sex toys. The porous nature of jelly makes it harder to remove germs from the surface, but a good sex toy cleaner will kill any bacteria and leave a clean, fresh sent. Never use rubbing alcohol to clean jelly. Jelly will degrade if it is exposed to a non-water based lubricant or rubbing alcohol. LATEX: Is a low cost alternative to silicone and jelly. It is more porous and dose not last as long as silicone or jelly toys. A solution of mild soap and warm water sufficient is sufficient enough to clean a latex toy. GLASS TOYS: Are the easiest to clean. Aside from basic washing with warm water and a mild anti-bacterial soap, you can place it in a dishwasher and it is still safe. We do recommend that you are careful about the type of soap you use. If you experience any type of reaction, discontinue the use of any soap/s and rinse the glass toy thoroughly with warm water only before continuing to use your glass toy. ACRYLIC: Is similar to glass, transparent and pretty it is a form of a special plastic that can easily scratch and dull. Since the cool look and transparency is one of the best things about acrylic sex toys it is best that you never clean your acrylic toy wit rubbing alcohol. Alcohol causes the acrylic material to develop cracks and dullness, thus losing its pretty appearance. But, because of its toughness you will not damage the entire toy. The easiest and best way to clean a acrylic toy is to wash it in warm water and mild soap. Dry with a soft cloth not with paper towels because paper towels can still cause a scratch. Lastly, store your acrylic toy in something soft or in a cloth pouch to protect it from scratches and curious fingers. METAL/PLASTIC: both are hard and have smooth surface exteriors. Both are easy to clean and maintain. Care and maintenance method is almost the same as a plastic instruments and toys. You may also use a soft cloth soaked in alcohol to clean and disinfect your metal instrument. THERE ARE SOME TOYS THAT PEOPLE SHOULD NOT SHARE WITH OTHERS. HOWEVER, PEOPLE DO USE TOYS ON SOME PEOPLE AND USE THEM ON OTHER PEOPLE. IF YOU FIND YOURSELF THE RECEIVING END OF SOME INSTRUMENTS OR TOYS YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE USING, THEN REQUEST TO HAVE THEM CLEANED OR GENTLY REMIND THEM THAT THE INSTRUMENT OR TOY WAS NOT CLEANED PROPERLY. REMEMBER: SAFE, SANE AND CONSENSUAL. |
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Good point newlady. They did not cover that. I'm sure there are many other things that can be added, to what they covered and what I posted is what they went by. All I know is that there is a lot of good information on the above to give people things to think about prior to and during play.
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