Trampoline Safety After Broken Bones, Head Injuries Nationwide

Trampolines provide great exercise. But since competitive trampoline joined the Summer Olympics in 2000, broken bones and head injuries nationwide have increased, reports the Consumer Products Safety Commission in a recently re-issued warning notice on trampoline safety.

And with a recent increase in commercial trampoline parks, especially in the Chicago area, injuries and hospitalizations continue to spike, reports Fox Chicago News.

Since Xtreme Trampolines opened in Carol Stream, Ill., in November 2010, 16 ambulances have been dispatched to the park, reports the Chicago Tribune.

Emergency call records show that people were treated for everything from broken ankles, to dislocated shoulders, to a head injury, reports Fox Chicago News.

And CPSC is not alone. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also cautioned on trampoline safety, recommending against the use of trampolines other than in a supervised setting, such as in a gymnastics facility, reports WGN-TV.

The physicians' group also warns against using trampolines as toys in the backyard and allowing children younger than six-years-old to participate.

The CPSC says follow these safety tips for safe at-home trampoline use:

• Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time.
• Do not attempt or allow somersaults because landing on the head or neck can cause paralysis.
• Do not use the trampoline without shock-absorbing pads that completely cover its springs, hooks, and frame.
• Place the trampoline away from structures, trees, and other play areas.
• No child under 6 years of age should use a full-size trampoline. Do not use a ladder with the trampoline because it provides unsupervised access by small children.
• Always supervise children who use a trampoline.
• Trampoline enclosures can help prevent injuries from falls off trampolines.

According to the CPSC, these trampoline safety tips can minimize the threat of jumpers colliding with one another, or other injuries including head injuries, broken bones, or even paralysis.

The trampoline safety message is clear: be careful with your back yard trampoline. Be even more careful if you go to a trampoline park.

Related Resources:

• Simmons v. Reichardt (FindLaw)
• Trampoline Safety Alert (JumpSport.com)
• Trampolines Recalled by Skywalker Holdings; Enclosure Problems Can Result in Fall Hazard (FindLaw)