Trampoline Safety Guidelines Can Save Your Life
There is no doubt in the minds of those that have suffered
trampoline injuries that having clearly outlined trampoline
safety guidelines could have prevented the injury. For this
reason, many consumer agencies and public safety
coordinators are starting to take a closer look at
trampoline safety and have developed a concrete set of
guidelines that any trampoline owner should find beneficial
to their trampoline experience. In the end, nothing is more
important than the safety and welfare of our family and
friends.
Generally, we know all about trampolines and the fun that
can be had on a summer night with our children as we leap
about. We also know about the exercise that can be gained by
jumping around on our trampoline. Many of us, however, are
not well informed when it comes to the possibility of injury
on a trampoline and do not follow adequate safety guidelines
when we are on our trampolines with family and friends.
Common Injuries
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a
trampoline is not safe for use at home, in gym class, or on
playgrounds. The Academy clearly does not have a lot of
faith in the trampoline as an appropriate child’s toy and
states that these trampolines are “never” used in these
situations. Tens of thousands of trampoline injuries take
place every year, and with more trampolines entering more
backyards, the AAP suggests that the number will only rise
and heavily recommends against the use of a trampoline in
most situations because of the risks involved.
Two-thirds of the people injured on a trampoline are between
the ages of 6 and 14. The most common injuries from
trampoline use include broken bones, concussions and other
serious head injuries, sprains, bruises or cuts, and neck or
spinal cord injuries that could result in paralysis or
death. Many children are injured due to improper landing
while jumping, landing off the surface of the trampoline or
on the springs, and colliding with other jumpers in mid-air.
Worth the Risk?
In the end, parents need to understand the possibility for
injury should proper trampoline safety regulations not be
followed. These regulations and guidelines usually come with
the trampoline itself and were compiled by experts
well-versed in the injury capacity and potential for danger
of a trampoline. Follow these trampoline safety regulations
if you are planning on getting trampoline and do your part
to prevent serious injury in your own backyard.
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