Spring and summer months mean kids are heading outside to play. And for many families, the backyard serves as the center of activity. It’s a favorite spot for barbequing or taking a dip in the pool. But if you own a trampoline, the backyard could be the perpetrator of injury and possibly even death.
Designed and patented in 1936, the trampoline's intended use was as part of a circus act. Through the years, people discovered the apparatus could be used for fun and physical fitness. Many schools introduced the trampoline into the P.E. curriculum during the 1970s. Eventually, parents started purchasing the popular item for home use.
Number of Trampoline Accidents on the Rise
Each year, nearly 531,000 medically-treated trampoline injuries take place in the United States, according to a 2007 study presented to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons states that nearly 71 percent of these injuries occur among children aged 14 or younger. Additionally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports 11 deaths related to trampoline usage since the 1990s.
Most trampoline-related injuries take place when colliding with another person or landing incorrectly while jumping. Falling on springs, hinges, or the frame or landing on the ground or other objects located in close proximity to the trampoline can be harmful.
Injuries range in severity from minor bruises, scrapes, and cuts to paralyzing spinal cord injuries.
Soft tissue injuries account for almost half of complaints, according to the 2007 study presented to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Fractures and dislocations comprise one-fourth of the remaining injuries. Between medical and legal expenses, accident expenses leap as high as $245 million dollars a year.
Preventing Trampoline Injuries
Since 2004, over 1.2 million trampolines have been sold. With trampoline sales bouncing over the 500,000 mark each year, families owning one need to take precautions to guarantee safety.
Trampolines do come with a warning label listing safety precautions as well as a warning that death or paralysis can result from use. Most importantly, parents need to recognize that a trampoline is not a toy. Only one person should be on the trampoline at one time. Somersaults or other stunts should not be allowed. Pads that cover the springs, hooks, and frame are recommended. Position the trampoline away from play areas or items in the yard. Water should never be sprayed on the surface. Children who use a trampoline should always be supervised by an adult.
Most manufacturers assert that safety is a priority, and that by reading and following the owner’s manual, serious accidents can be avoided.
Parents should educate their children as to proper trampoline use, including use of the device away from their home. Education and common sense will reduce the risks associated with trampolines.
