Impact play

Impact play is a subset of sensation play, or pain play, characterized by (repeated) striking of a person for the gratification of one or both parties. Impact can be administered with solid implements such as limbs, paddles, and crops, or scourge-style implements such as floggers and whips. While issues with impact play are rarely fatal, severe and sometimes permanent injury can occur. *(how are we calculating health and legal risk?) (health: moderate, legal: low)

Risks

While most injuries from impact play are superficial, such as bruising and minor lacerations, some can be more serious, such as joint injury, organ injury, and infection.

Thorough negation *(i'm assuming we're not explaining things like negotiation?) before the impact scene is imperative.

Common Risks

Joint Injury:

Avoid striking joints and spine. Aim instead for fleshy areas such as buttocks, thighs, and shoulders. *(add photo of color code that indicates kidney)

Organ Injury:

Avoid striking or trampling the stomach. Impact recipient should engage their abdominal muscles when being struck in front to protect their organs. Never strike over the kidneys or low back. Kidney damage may cause hematuria (blood in the urine) or anuria (inability to urinate) which can result in death.

Infection:

The impact top should thoroughly wash their hands before a scene, and nitrile gloves are recommended. Implements should be cleaned between uses. This includes furniture the recipient may be touching, and tools used before and after the scene. Lack of cleanliness can result not only in skin infections, but can also lead to the transfer of diseases such as hepatitis. If you plan on breaking skin during the scene, sanitize the intended areas beforehand. If skin becomes broken, sanitize after and ensure the recipient does not sit on surfaces others have, or will, touch. Puppy pads or soft pants are a good way to prevent cross contamination while still keeping the recipient comfortable after the scene.

Risk Mitigation

Skill Set:

Know your tools.

Take classes, watch others, practice on pillows. It will increase your accuracy and your confidence. Make sure you can use scourge-style tools without wrapping (ends of implement striking beyond the intended impact point) . Be precise with all materials.

Be prepared.

Make sure your tools (including footwear if trampling) are clean and well-maintained. Be aware of your own ability to focus and observe, and knowledgeable about subspace and the body's reaction to pain.. Consumption of drugs or alcohol by either participant dramatically increases the risk of accidents or injury.

Negotiate thoughtfully.

Be thorough in your negotiation. Preexisting injuries, illnesses, and current medications may interfere with the impact recipient’s ability to clot, heal, breathe, gauge pain, or maintain consciousness under systemic stress. Be sure to ask about any health related concerns.

Other considerations

*Self harm concerns

Incidents

Severe acute kidney injury due to violent sadomasochistic play

*link additional incidents

References

https://kynk101.com/kink-bdsm-facts/impact-play-risks

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21890-anuria

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30171153/

Further Reading

• https://bdsminthemind.boydenon.com/