Trampoline use by children has swept the country. Unfortunately, many parents who buy trampolines for their children often overlook the hazards.According to a study by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital and its pediatric unit, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, nearly 75,000 children on average were seen in emergency rooms for trampoline injuries each year during 2001 and 2002.In 2000, a Canadian report documenting trampoline trauma was published. Winnipeg Children’s Hospital looked at 80 children injured while using a backyard trampoline between January 1996 and October 1997. The report revealed:
- trampoline-related injuries slightly exceeded bike-related hospital admissions
- a parent was supervising in only eight of the 80 cases
- at least one other child was jumping on the mat in two-thirds of the cases
- one-half of the injuries occurred at a neighbor’s house
- almost 80 percent of trampoline-related injuries occurred in children ages 5- 14
- three-fourths of the injuries involved fractures – mostly to the forearm, elbow and humerus
While the majority of injuries involve extremities, there are more serious injuries to be concerned about as well. Broken spines, head injuries and paralysis have been reported from using trampolines considered safe and sturdy.The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission observed many similarities. Additionally, they reported the major causes of injuries:
- colliding with another jumper
- landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts
- falling or jumping off the trampoline
- falling onto the springs or the frame while attempting stunts
New standards set in 1999 by the CPSC state specifically that all new trampolines must have padding covering the frame, hooks and all springs; they must not have ladders (this prevents access by young children); a warning label must be included that states that not more than one person should jump at a time, and somersaults can cause paralysis or death. Additionally, trampolines over 20 inches tall are not recommended for children under 6 years old.The enclosures many people install can help prevent injuries that might occur from a fall off the tramp, but it should never be used to replace adequate adult supervision. When two people use the trampoline at the same time, the person weighing less is five times more likely to be injured than the heavier person. Adult supervision is no guarantee that a child will be safe. More than one-half of all trampoline injuries occur while an adult is watching the child. Spotters are extremely important, but to be effective, they need to be big enough and strong enough to protect a jumper if he or she gets too close to the edge.For those who continue to keep trampolines in their yards, some important steps should be taken to keep children as safe as possible:
- place the trampoline away from other structures, trees, fences or other play equipment
- use shock absorbent material on the ground around the perimeter
- keep the area beneath and around the trampoline clear of toys and other items that can be thrown onto the trampoline or items that an individual could land on if he or she falls from the trampoline
- set non-negotiable rules: one person at a time, no flips or somersaults and have as many spotters as possible
- tell your children about the risks of using a trampoline improperly
- jumpers should remove necklaces and scarves
The risk of physical injury is inherent in sports. It is estimated that one-half of all organized sports-related injuries among kids can be prevented. Protective equipment, safer playing environments and rules designed to prevent injury are successful in reducing the frequency and severity of sports and recreation-related injuries among children.
Palmer Chiropractic494-1395www.palmer-chiropractic.com
