Trampolines

Generally, trampoline-related injuries requiring an emergency department visits have increased over the past five years. Most of these injuries occurred at the child’s home and on a full size trampoline. Injuries and deaths from trampoline use most often occur by landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts; falling or jumping off the trampoline; falling on the springs or frame of the trampoline; and colliding with another person.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Benedum Pediatric Trauma Program at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh recommend that trampolines not be used at home, in playgrounds or as part of routine physical education classes. However, if you choose to have a trampoline at home or in school, please keep the following tips in mind.

• Children ages 5 and under should not be permitted on a trampoline.
• Provide adult supervision and adult spotters around the edge of the trampoline.
• Never allow more than one person to jump at the same time.
• Do not permit gymnastic exercises or stunts such as somersaults or flips.
• Never permit children to bounce off the trampoline, encourage them to stop bouncing, walk to the edge, sit and slide off.
• Do not leave a ladder or chair near the trampoline to prevent young children from getting on it without supervision.
• Never permit anyone to go underneath the trampoline while someone else is on it.
• Never permit children to play on a wet trampoline.

• Purchase a round trampoline not a rectangular one (rectangular trampolines provide a dangerously high bounce).
• Trampolines must have a high safety net enclosure around the perimeter of the rim.
• Trampolines should be equipped with shock absorbing pads that cover all springs, hooks, the frame and safety net poles.
• Place the trampoline away from buildings, play areas, clotheslines and trees.
• The trampoline’s jumping surface should be placed at ground level to reduce the distance between the trampoline and the ground.
• Keep the area underneath and around the trampoline clear of toys and debris.
• Use soft materials like sand or wood chips to provide a softer surface around and underneath the trampoline.
• Routinely inspect the trampoline. Ensure that the springs are secure; leg braces are securely locked; the frame isn’t bent and that the trampoline’s surface doesn’t have holes or cracks.