Flying too high in the sky? Flips, falls, and collisions on trampolines send 104,691 people to the E.R. each year—with more than 90% of injuries sustained by kids.
Take these steps recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to ensure that kids stay safe while playing on the trampoline:
Trampolines are a favorite for kids and parents, requiring easy supervision, offering fun, and providing great exercise to boot. But fun can come at a price, resulting in injuries associated with trampoline use. While trampolines are designed to be kid-friendly, accidents commonly occur when children land improperly while jumping or flipping, are struck by another person, or land on the trampoline springs or frame.
An updated report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) cautions against home trampoline use. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), in 2014 there were more than 286,000 medically treated trampoline injuries and 104,691 of those were emergency room visits. Not surprisingly, the rates of trampoline injury are more prevalent in children than adults.
Take steps recommended by AAP to ensure that your kids stay safe while on the trampoline.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Allow only one child to jump on the trampoline at a time.
- Do not allow somersaults or flips that could cause back or neck injuries.
- Check regularly to make sure that the protective padding has not slipped out of place or been worn down.
- Use a trampoline safety net enclosure for added protection.