Dungeon
A dungeon is a room or area that is used for a public or private play space to conduct BDSM scene activities.
Private dungeons are often fabricated in residential basements or spare rooms. BDSM organizations sometimes secure space for their members to play; old warehouses and factory spaces are popular for this, especially in areas where zoning laws forbid clubs of this type in residential areas, or close to schools or churches. Some dungeons are open to the public on a membership basis or as a nightclub. These are called "public dungeons" even if they are only open to vetted members.
A professional dominant or dominatrix will often maintain his or her own dungeon, or several ProDoms may join together in a common facility often called a 'ProDom house', where they may share staff such as receptionists or cleaning staff.
Some dungeons exist on a rental basis or time share basis for couples to explore their sexual activity more deeply without the need for a large up-front investment, often under the supervision of a dungeon monitor.
It is common for a dungeon space to be fitted with attachments for shackles and cuffs, as well as numerous other forms of furniture for BDSM play such and bondage implements and bondage devices. Many are quite elaborately decorated, with expensive furnishings and appointments in styles from Bauhaus to Baroque— but even a simple closet or storage room is sometimes used as a dungeon.
When clubs or organizations run a BDSM dungeon, one or more persons who have been trained in BDSM safety are usually appointed as "dungeon monitors" to ensure safe and responsible play.
Dungeon Events
BDSM events of all kinds occur at dungeons, though most popular are usually the play parties. Check to see if your dungeon of choice has a website, online calendar, or other methods of posting local events. If you aren't sure where the local dungeons are, consider attending a Munch, usually the more experienced members will know how to put you in touch with local dungeon owners. Be sure to make contact with dungeon staff before arriving, many of these venues are not open to the public and have special entry requirements.
Medical Supplies
Best Practices indicates every playspace, no matter the size or frequency of use, should be equipped with a first-aid kit and a few people who are knowledgeable in the use of it's contents.
Cell Phone
The most important part of any first-aid kit is a charged cell phone with good service. This is for the purposes of dialing 911 (or your local emergency number) in a true emergency. If an emergency arises, DO NOT HESITATE to call for help. Remember, it will take medical personnel time to reach you, and in some situations, every second counts. Be honest with the 911 operator and the EMTs and Paramedics. They need to know exactly what happened so they can treat the patient correctly. If you do need to call for an ambulance, try to station someone at the end of the driveway or outside the doorway to the building so you can be found and help can get to you quickly.
Additional contents
- A first-aid and CPR manual
- Several pairs of non-latex gloves (nitrile)
- EMT shears
- 2X2, 4X4 and 5X9 Bandages
- Abdominal Pads
- Band-Aids
- Roller Gauze
- Triangular Bandages
- Popsicle Sticks or Tongue Depressors
- Medical Tape
- Isopropyl Alcohol- bottle or wipes
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- Burn Gel
- Sterile Water or Saline
- Glucose or a tube of cake frosting
- Hot Packs
- Cold Packs
- SAM splint
- Tweezers
- Flashlight
- Blankets
- Anti-histamine pills and lotion
- Pain medication pills
- Baby Aspirin
- One-Way CPR mask
- Blood Pressure Cuff and Stethoscope or manual cuff
- Spine Board
These are just the basics, and you can modify and add to your own kit as you see fit. Do you do a lot of fire play? Make sure you add more burn gel and perhaps a burn sheet or two. Engage in a lot of knife play? Be sure to have extra bandages on hand, just in case.