Most trampoline injuries are muscle injuries or broken legs, not fatalities, but serious head and neck injuries do occur. A concussion or upper spine injury can be devastating to a child.
In 2004, approximately 93,000 children ages 14 and younger were treated in U.S. emergency departments for trampoline-related injuries. More than 90 percent of these injuries happened on home trampolines, and Safe Kids Mid-South joins the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in recommending that no child under 6 years old should use a full-size trampoline. Safe Kids supports these recommendations:
- Make sure there is only one person on the trampoline at a time.
- The frame, springs and floor around the trampoline ar appropriately padded and the equipment is inspected frequently.
- Trained spotters are always used and a safety harness or spotting belt is available.
- There is no ladder near the trampoline where it could be used by unsupervised children to gain access. The trampoline should not be accessible when not is use and there is no active adult supervision.
- Jumpers do not attempt stunts or skills beyond ther training and capability.
