There are numerous things that can cause a person to bleed during a scene, whether accidental or indeed as part of play. The general instructions below will cover dealing with most types of bleed you will encounter, unless the result of a serious accident, at which point, emergency aid should be sought. I am going to focus on needle play, knives and blood play in this section. Of course again it should be noted that heat, blood pressure, medical conditions, alcohol and drugs could considerably affect the amount that your body looses blood.

Essentially you should never engage in blood play if under the influence of drink or drugs in either role, and should ensue that extra care is taken in all other conditions. Of course common sense should again prevail.

First Aid for Bleeding

First Aid is suitable for External bleeding only. If bleeding looks severe, seek emergency help immediately. This would be an all-Arterial bleed and serious Venous bleeds

1. Calm and reassure the victim. The sight of blood can be very frightening even if it is expected as part of play. I.e. Needle play, cutting etc 2. If the wound is superficial, (most needle play, small cuts etc will fall into this category) Wash it with soap and warm water (or antiseptic wipes if nothing else is available.) and pat dry. Superficial wounds or scrapes are injuries that affect the top layers of skin and bleeding from such wounds is often described as "oozing," because it is slow. 3. In all but the most superficial cases lay the victim down. This will reduce the chances of fainting by increasing the blood flow to the brain. When possible, elevate the bleeding area either by asking the victim to raise the area they or raise on a chair of stool if possible 4. Remove any obvious loose debris or dirt from around the wound. If an object such as a knife, needle, etc becomes embedded in the body, DO NOT removes it. Doing so may cause more damage to the victim and may increase the amount of bleeding. The object also might be embedded in an artery or organ. Place pads and bandages around the object and tape the object in place. 5. Put pressure directly on an external wound with a sterile bandage, clean cloth, or even a piece of clothing. If nothing else is available, use your hand. Direct pressure is best for external bleeding, except for an eye injury. It a large item is embedded, place pressure around the area. 6. Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops. When it has stopped, bind the wound dressing with adhesive tape or a piece of clean clothing. A cold pack should be applied over the dressing. Do not peek to see if the bleeding has stopped 7. If bleeding continues and seeps through the material being held on the wound, do not remove it. Simply place another cloth over the first one. Be sure to seek medical attention. If the blood seeps through 2 bandages, remove both and start again

If the bleeding is severe, get medical help and take steps to prevent shock. Immobilize the injured body part. Lay the victim flat; raise the feet about 12 inches, and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. However, do not place the victim in this position if there has been a head, neck, back, or leg injury or if the position makes the victim uncomfortable. Get medical help as soon as possible

Bloodplay / Knives / Needles

Preparation for play:

As you are going to breech the blood-air barrier and create what is essentially an open wound, special precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of infections.

Needle play:

You should always ensure that you try to have some from of antibacterial cleaner available to clean your work surfaces (at the very least, have hot soapy water available as well as disposable cloths) as well as antiseptic wipes, for cleaning the body prior to and after play. Disposable latex gloves essential too in my opinion (though some people will claim they are no more sterile than well washed hands) Of course, a sharps bin should always be available before engaging in needle play. Another necessary is saline solution or a mix of hot salted water that has been allowed to cool. Of course, you need to purchase and use sterile needles and ensure that each needle in used only once.

Start by washing your hands thoroughly prior to play and covering any cuts etc. Clean the recipients body moving away from the area in increasing circles that you are to pierce / cut as to stop any dirt being transferred back. Ensure that you use each wipe only once, and then dispose.

Dealing with needle stick:

Even with the most careful of players, needle stick does occur. The risks are quite low, but precautionary measures should be taken.

1) If the needle is not embedded in the skin (yours or your pierces) then wash the wound carefully with hot soapy water, or a medi-wipe. Squeeze the skin and make the wound bleed if it has stopped. Repeat the process a few times then cover with clean dressing/ plaster. This on one of the few occasions where you do not want to stop bleeding straight away.

Wash / bleed / wash / bleed / wash/ cover.

2) If the needle is embedded in your skin (before or after you have pierced) your automatic reaction will be to pull it out. DON’T! Leave the needle in place. Get a syringe of saline/ hot salt water and use this to flush out the wound (by affixing to the needle). Ensure there is no air in the syringe when you do this. Then remove the needle and treat as above.

3) If the needle is in the pierce and you get needle stick, leave the needle in place and treat yourself first. Only when you are clean should you remove the needle from your pirecee. First flush the area thoroughly with saline solution, and clean the point of the needle with a medical wipe. Remove the needle and follow cleaning as in Point 1.

Knife play / Cutting (http://www.albanypowerexchange.com/BDSMinfo/knife_play.htm)

Buy quality equipment. You are looking for carbon steel blades, the finest quality you can find. You want a keen, smooth UNSERRATED edge. You want to keep this edge razor sharp, or rather dull. Either or, as befits your level of experience. The most dangerous knives are those that are a "little" sharp. These are unpredictable. They cut sometimes, but not others, depending on the texture of the skin. Sharp always cuts. Dull never will. Choose either and be sure of the situation. 2) Keep the knives you choose WELL. That means, use them for no other purpose. Keep them in a fine state of repair. You might well be able to get away with a cat of 20 tails that has a few tails missing, or a riding crop that has a frayed wrapping on the handle, but a knife that is chipped or nicked or has a loose handle, is absolutely ready for the bin.

3) Keep your tools clean. Always use "hospital sterile technique". Wash the knife blade and handle in denatured alcohol, or with a sterilizing soap of the sort surgeons use to scrub up with. "Liquid germicidal soap" works well here, but I still prefer alcohol. It kills bugs dead. Have your bottom take a shower before beginning. Wash your hands, and unless you are playing with your life's partner, BE SURE TO WEAR LATEX RUBBER SURGICAL GLOVES. HIV is transmitted very nicely through the blood. So are a host of other ailments.

Keeping it clean

Since knives can break the skin (that's what they were ALL made to do in the first place!) it is imperative that you keep them absolutely clean at all times. Wash your knife by hand (NO DISHWASHERS) every time you plan to do something with it. If it came with a leather scabbard, be sure to clean the blade before putting it away. Cleaning can be as simple as rubbing it with a soft cloth, and oiling it lightly with mineral oil, (high carbon steel WILL rust if not given a light coat of mineral oil from time to time) or as involved as scrubbing it with alcohol or germicidal soap prior to it's use. Beware of using the same blade on multiple partners without sterilizing it. Never "boil" a knife in oil or water to clean off the germs either. It can ruin the handle, or even warp the blade. It can also impregnate the steel and cause it to lose some of the temper. That means you can no longer keep it sharp. (Hospitals can and DO boil all their surgical instruments with hot steam in an autoclave but note that they are all stainless steel, and that the cutting edge is disposable.)