“ Trampoline Safety For Kids” |
By: Carl Walker
Trampolines are safe for recreational use if proper adult supervision is present, and adherence to strict safety rules is maintained - this is the opinion of most trampoline manufacturers and supporters. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other organizations such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) do not think so.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that 95,000 hospital emergency room-treated injuries in 1998 were associated with trampolines. 75 were kids under the age of 15. Then in 2002, the CPSC again estimated that 60,000 trampoline-related emergency room-treated injuries were kids between the ages of 5 and 14. Since 1990, the CPSC has received six reported deaths involving the seemingly harmless trampoline.
According to the CPSC, most of the trampoline associated injuries were sustained at private homes. The injuries and deaths were caused by:
1. Colliding with another person while jumping on the trampoline.
2. Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline.
3. Falling or jumping off the trampoline.
4. Falling on the trampoline springs or frame.
The majority of injuries caused by using trampolines include sprains, fractures, scrapes, bruises and cuts, and serious injuries to the head and neck which can cause paralysis and death. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), disastrous cervical spine injuries are rare, but head and neck injuries constitute a considerable number of the more serious injuries requiring hospitalization. These are the recommendations laid out by the AAP:
1. The trampoline should not be used at home, inside or outside.
2. The trampoline should not be part of routine physical education classes in schools.
3. The trampoline has no place in outdoor playgrounds and should never be regarded as play equipment.
These are the safety guidelines issued by the AAP organization if trampolines are to be used:
1. Steel frame and springs should be covered with a safety pad.
2. Impact-absorbing safety surface material for impact areas
3. Maintenance and repair for tears, rust, and detachments.
4. Safety harnesses and spotting belts
5. Setting the trampoline in a pit so the mat is at ground level should be considered.
6. Ladders may provide unintended access to the trampoline by small children and should not be used.
7. Only one person should use the trampoline at a time.
8. In supervised settings, the user of the trampoline should be at the center of the mat. The user of the trampoline should not attempt maneuvers beyond capability or training, thereby putting them at risk for injury.
9. Personnel trained in trampoline safety and competent spotters should be present whenever the trampoline is in use.
10. Even in supervised training programs, the use of trampolines for children younger than 6 years of age should be prohibited.
11. The trampoline must be secured and not accessible when not in use.
The CPSC also issued additional safety measures while using the trampoline which include:
1. Somersaults should not be attempted because landing on the head or neck can cause paralysis.
2. Trampolines should not be used without shock-absorbing pads that completely cover the springs, hooks, and frames.
3. Trampolines should be laced away from structures, trees, and other play areas.
4. Trampoline enclosures should be considered which can help prevent injuries from falls off trampolines.
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“ Trampoline Safety: Staying Safe While Having Fun”
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Trampolines are a fun activity for people of all ages to enjoy. It is a way to get the whole family outdoors goofing around. In addition, a trampoline provides each person with exercise without them even realizing it. However, trampoline safety is something that anyone who owns one needs to be responsible about.
It is never a good idea to allow children to use a trampoline without an adult present. If you have other children that frequently come to your home, make sure their parents don't mind if they use the trampoline.
To help prevent accidents from someone bouncing off the trampoline, it is a good idea to get a safety net. They are made for any shape or size or trampoline you can purchase. Another good idea is to dig holes deep in the ground. You can then set the trampoline into the ground. You will still get the same bouncing effects, but the entire piece of equipment may only be a foot from the ground.
Make sure your trampoline is safely away from power lines, fences, trees, and any other item that could lead to injuries. You need a clearance of 10 feet all the way around the trampoline and 20 feet in the air. You need to routinely check the trampoline for broken or stressed springs and hooks.
The more people on a trampoline at one time, the more likely accidents are to occur. This is because the bouncing of each person affects the others. There is also a great risk of being hit by someone else who also has no control over their movements. Never allow anyone who has been consuming drugs or alcohol to use a trampoline. Even prescription drugs can alter one's perception.
Make sure anyone attempting to perform tricks on a trampoline knows the proper way to do them. Attempting various flips and tricks can lead to injuries. Another common cause of injuries on trampolines is due to various sports. One common sport is basketball. A basketball hoop is placed at both ends of the trampoline. The teams then play the game as usually, but with a twist as to the terrain they are playing on.
While enjoying a trampoline is encouraged, accidents do happen. Trampoline safety needs to always be a priority. More than 75,000 people are seen for medical treatment each year due to trampoline injuries. They include sprained ankles and wrists, broken bones, missing teeth, head injuries, and even death.
Learn about safety trampoline usage at http://www.outdoort oys.us/archives/ 10-safety- rules-for- trampoline- usage/
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