As said truly, technology has made man its slave. So much so that as per statistics, almost 70 percent of the population equipped with gadgets spends 70 percent of their time with these gadgets. Children do not remain far from this trait of sticking to their seats with eyes glued to screens. This undoubtedly has caused of retarded physical and mental growth of the children. Since this has now raised to an alarming stage and has been too much in limelight as a part of research and study frequently from reputed institutes, parents these days have now resolved to all possible means to drive their kids out of the houses and force them to play.
As a part of this effort most parents ignorant of effects of the trampoline, buy one for their kids with a notion that it would make their kids spend more time outdoors. You would have purchased the best trampoline for kids but that doesn’t mean that they don’t require you to implement certain safety measures.
What most of them do not realize, as stated by the SpineUniverse.com and American Academy of Paediatrics is that home trampolines are the major cause of overall trampoline-related injuries. The Academy advises parents to avoid buying trampolines for home use because it is prone to injuries.
Types of Injuries
As stated before, trampolines are prone to injure children more at home.
A statement on trampoline injuries and trampoline safety by The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ reports that most common injuries related to trampolines are fractures and sprains. Less common ones’ include severe injuries that result in paralysis or death of the individual.
The American Academy of Paediatrics adds cuts, strains and spinal injuries this list of potential threats posed by using home trampolines. It also states that the damage caused is at an equal rate for both the genders. While these are some of the common injuries let us have a look at some statistics.
As reported by BrianandSoinalCord.org around 20 percent of the spinal injuries is caused by trampolines are because of jumpers bumping into each while trying to perform stunts, either falling off the trampoline or falling on the frames or springs of the trampoline. This most probably happens with children because they have a tendency to get excited and also try to do some extra stunts.
As per a report from the Consumer Safety Products for the calendar year 2006, approximately 109,522 injuries were estimated. Of these reported injuries, children from 4 years old and younger sustained an estimate of 15,541 injuries; children from 5 to 14, had an estimate of 71,265 injuries; older children and young adults 15 to 24, an estimate of 14,571; adults 25 to 64, an estimate of 7,836; and adults 65 and older sustained an estimated 309 injuries. Of these injured people, 104,729 were treated in hospital in emergency rooms and were later discharged. However, the remaining 4000 people were either hospitalized or were reported dead on arrival. The data shows us that the injuries are mainly among children.
Safer use of Trampoline
Pertaining to many possible threats related to trampoline use, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, released a safety alert for safer use of the trampoline, averting probable injuries. It recommends the following steps to reduce fatal injuries.
- Only one person at a time should jump on a trampoline.
- The jumpers should not be allowed to perform summersaults and other stunts. They must be educated about safe jumping tips.
- The springs of the trampoline should be covered with a proper cushioned padding.
- The trampoline should not be placed near a tree or other such structure.
- Only children above 6 years should be allowed to jump on a full-sized trampoline.
- All activities should be supervised.
- There should be a covering enclosing the trampoline, preventing all potential falls off the trampoline while jumping.
- It is also advised to check trampolines regularly for a possible tear in the membrane or rusted and open springs at the end.
Though trampolines are more susceptible to causing certain severe injuries, they also turn out to be a source of experiencing fun for people of all ages. Therefore, it is always advised to use trampolines with safety and under supervision especially for children.