Other than some fun bruises associated with living in a tiny 1br (foot+couch= f** n ouch) I have gotten a couple minor falls, once I bonked my noggin on hardwood when it was really humid and I hit a sweaty spot doing a scorpio switch. But I knew it was slick so I was only practicing a foot off the ground. The key is, if you do fall, don't be an idiot and soldier through it. Your adrenaline is up and you might not feel any injury you've got. If you get a fall, even onto a crash mat or padding, my personal philosophy is always stop and take a second to check yourself out. Even for as stupid of a reason as you got a little paper cut on your hand somewhere falling that you don't feel and don't see at first, and you get a bad wipeout from blood on your hands and mess your pole up.
Sorry for the rant, but since I've only ever poled at home I really try to keep things as safe as I can. I live alone, I have to rely on myself and my own common sense to keep me safe. And I think that's a good attitude everyone should take, rely on yourself above anyone else (spotter) or anything else (mat), even when you're using both. It's your own head that keeps you safe first and foremost (and I don't mean breaking your fall with it 😂 )....learn safe exits, have a way to catch yourself prepared and active in your mind (i.e. be totally ready and confident catching a fallen jade with a scorpio). You can miss your mat and your spotter can fail without getting hurt with preparation and good common sense.
