Would you let your child on a backyard trampoline?
Submitted by Dr. Gwenn Is In
Honestly, I wouldn’t, and neither would Julie W, a guest blogger for MomLogic. Julie and I swapped emails about “to bounce or not to bounce” earlier in the week and she has a great post up on MomLogic about this topic.
The story Julie retold is not unique. I’ve lost count how many trampoline injuries very similar to Julie’s daughter’s friend that I’ve seen and treated over the years. I’ve seen broken arms, legs, concussions, deep cuts requiring stitches, dislocated elbows and knees. Some of the injuries were easy to manage in the emergency room while others required specialist and sometimes surgery. I’ve also had to admit a few kids for their injuries from trampolines. So, I feel I’m not over reacting by not allowing my kids to bounce - or advising other parents to do the same.
That said, I’m fine with trampolines in gyms supervised by trained gymnasts - especially the ones in ground. It’s the back yard trampolines that are the issue.
Many parents tell me: “But, we follow the rules…one child at a time.” or, “we use a net. ” Or, “We have one of the best!”
Did I mention that they tell me this as I’m treating their child for an injury??
As I wrote last year in my article “To Bounce or Not To Bounce”, the American Academy of Pediatrics feels very strongly that back yard trampolines are dangerous and has the data to stand by their position, and mine, that kids should not be on them. The AAP’s policy statement on trampolines states:
“Despite all currently available measures to prevent injury, the potential for serious injury while using a trampoline remains. The need for supervision and trained personnel at all times makes home use extremely unwise,” states the revised policy.
Based on data collected by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), the AAP found that trampoline related injuries are on the rise.
- Trampoline-related injuries increased 140 percent from 1990 to 1996.
- An estimated 83,400 trampoline-related injuries requiring an emergency department visit occurred in 1996 in the United States.
- 30 percent of trampoline-related injuries treated in an emergency department were fractures, often resulting in hospitalization and surgery.
- Catastrophic cervical spine injuries are rare, however head and neck injuries constitute a notable number of the more serious injuries requiring hospitalization.
- Since 1990, the CPSC has received reports of six deaths involving trampolines. Victims ranged in age from 3 years through 21 years. Most deaths occurred when victims fell from the trampolines, and most involved the spinal cord.
The AAP concluded that the largest proportion of trampoline-related injuries occurred on home trampolines and that most trampoline-related injuries occurred either while children played on trampolines or as they fell off. They also found that most injuries happen when there are simultaneous multiple users.
If there is an environment in which a trampoline will be used, the AAP offers guidelines on design and behavioral use in order to lessen the chance of injury.”
Sometimes fun needs to be tempered by common sense and common sense needs to be tempered by safety. In the case of back yard trampolines, I don’t deny they are fun, there is just no common sense way to allow them to be safely used - and don’t be fooled by any one’s marketing or convincing argument to the contrary. Just remember the story of Julie W’s daughter’s friends broken arm.
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October 3rd, 2008 at 5:35 am
I see your point but there are plenty of other sports (some much more extreme) that cause more injury than trampolines such as horse riding, skiing and many many more. I think you just have to accept its not 100% safe but then again what sport is?