Pediatricians say backyard trampolines are too dangerous
The latest word from a professional organization of pediatricians finds backyard trampolines dangerous enough that their use should be strongly discouraged, USA Today reported.
An updated policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, published recently in the journal Pediatrics, finds that added safety features like nets and padding do not significantly decrease the risk of injury.
About 98,000 trampoline-related injuries resulting in 3,100 hospitalizations occurred in 2009, according to the most recent estimates available from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, the article stated.
In 2004, the organization reported 112,000 injuries and 3,300 hospitalizations from trampoline-related injuries.
The majority of trampoline injuries occur when multiple people are jumping, and kids age five and younger are at a greater risk for significant injury.
- Read the full article here.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Sat, Sep 29, 2012 : 3:38 a.m.
involve osha as was done with cowboys-on-horseback ?? https://www.google.com/search?q=osha+cowboy+cartoon ... yehhhhhhhhhhhh, right
A2comments
Tue, Sep 25, 2012 : 10:55 a.m.
CPSC safety recommendations for using trampolines. Includes 1 at a time... www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/085.pdf Many insurance companies charge extra if you have a trampoline or refuse to ensure injuries from it. People who own trampolines need to monitor the CPSC for frequent recalls.
Ron Granger
Tue, Sep 25, 2012 : 2:24 a.m.
Our neighbor got her kids, 8 and 13, a trampoline this spring. Bought it off a neighbor for $30. Such a good deal, she said. It wasn't long until the kids were doing flips. I recently saw three of them on at one time, while one did flips. No major injuries yet. As often happens, the best intentions of following safety practices faded as the kids became more experienced and were left unsupervised.
sbbuilder
Mon, Sep 24, 2012 : 9:40 p.m.
You know what? A few broken bones here and there should be no problem. My kids have spent countless hours on our tramp. We do have a couple hard and fast rules, one of which is that we. Don't allow kids of varying weight on the tramp at the same time. Probably the worst injury is a compression fracture which happens when a child is coming down when a much heavier child has just jumped up. They'll wind up in the hospital in traction for a couple months. Also, we don't allow flips. Hey, other than that, go outside and burn off some energy.
MRunner73
Mon, Sep 24, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
People who do not use the backyard trampolines properly are dangerous. It is all about misuse or ignorant to some of the dangers. Proper use would reduce injuries. Start with one person or kid at a time, injuries will drop. Not much else to think about.
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Sat, Sep 29, 2012 : 3:37 a.m.
like this? https://www.google.com/search?q=osha+cowboy+cartoon
Ricebrnr
Mon, Sep 24, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.
trampolines...soon to go the way of dodos and lawn darts...
Richard Carter
Tue, Sep 25, 2012 : 12:59 p.m.
Just don't try to hit dodos with the lawn darts from the trampoline. They're endangered... or something.
ChrisW
Mon, Sep 24, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
Lawn darts ON a trampoline would be fun.
mhirzel
Mon, Sep 24, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
And, I say, pediatricians are too dangerous.
ArthGuinness
Mon, Sep 24, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.
I have no problem with pediatricians warning of the dangers and publicizing the statistics. As long as the government doesn't start banning them, what's the problem?
ArthGuinness
Mon, Sep 24, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
BTW, I let my kids jump on a trampoline all the time. A couple bonked heads and so forth has taught them to be more careful.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Sep 24, 2012 : 7:33 p.m.
New poll finds walking outside too dangerous. Experts encourage parents to bubble wrap kids before leaving the house. I'm sorry but this is stupid.