Playground injuries are common among young and pre-teen children, and backyard trampolines often contribute to summertime trips to the emergency department.  Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and Campbell Clinic Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Derek Kelly, M.D., gives his thoughts about avoiding one of those unwelcome summertime trips to the hospital.

Kelly says the most common trampoline injuries occur in small children when a larger child or adult falls on them.  Children are also commonly injured falling off the side of the trampoline onto the ground.

The commonly injured bones Kelly and his colleagues see as the result of a trampoline injury are the wrist (distal radius), elbow (distal humerus) and knee (proximal tibia).  Most injuries are treated in casts, but some require surgery.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), hospital emergency rooms and doctors’ offices treat hundreds of thousands of trampoline-related injuries each year. The most common injuries are sprains and fractures which result from falls on the trampoline mat, falls on the frame or springs, collisions with another jumper, stunts gone wrong, and falls off the trampoline.

Severe injuries are not common, but they do occur and can result in paralysis or, rarely, death. The majority of trampoline injuries occur at home. Most injuries occur among children between ages 5 and 14, and when children are unsupervised by parents or adults. More than half of the injuries occur on the mat of the trampoline and nearly two thirds of injuries involve two or more children using the trampoline at the same time.

As a parent, it might be difficult to listen to your child's begging, but the best response to a request for a home trampoline — whether it's a full-sized backyard trampoline or a smaller indoor trampoline — is no.  Safe Kids Mid-South, led by Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, supports these American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations regarding trampoline use.  If you choose to buy a trampoline despite the risks, follow these safety rules:

• Use safety nets and pads. Install a trampoline enclosure — a special net designed to surround the trampoline — and cover the trampoline's springs, hooks and frame with shock-absorbing pads.Regularly check the equipment for tears and detachments.
• Place the trampoline on level ground. Make sure it's a safe distance from trees and other structures. Better yet, place the trampoline in a pit so the jumping surface is at ground level.
• Limit trampoline activity. Allow only one person to use the trampoline at a time — and never without supervision. Don't allow somersaults or other potentially risky moves on the trampoline.
• Discourage unsupervised jumping. Don't install a trampoline ladder, which could tempt young children to use the trampoline alone.

In addition, be aware that you might be charged a higher premium for homeowners insurance if you choose to buy a trampoline. Consider checking with your insurance provider about liability coverage as well.

Fourth of July is a time for celebration across the country, and fireworks displays are a crowd favorite each year.  Fireworks can be fun to watch, but they can also be very dangerous. Safe Kids Mid-South, led by Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, warns families to take extra precautions around this holiday.

Around this time of year, more than 2,500 children in the United States ages 14 and younger are treated for fireworks-related injuries. 

“Don’t ever let children play with fireworks, period,” says Susan Helms, director of Injury Prevention and Safe Kids Mid-South. “They’re intended for use by adults with permits to carefully use them in open spaces. Children should watch from a safe distance with plenty of adult supervision to make sure they don’t get too close.”

Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns or blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Helms says the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch them at a community event where professionals handle them.

Safe Kids Mid-South recommends these precautions for adults using fireworks:

• Light fireworks only on smooth, flat surfaces, and aim them away from spectators, buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Do not try to re-light fireworks that malfunction.
• Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or hold them close to your face.
• Visit www.recalls.gov to make sure the pyrotechnic devices you are using are not subject to any safety recalls.
• Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks.
• Keep a phone handy, and know first aid for burns. Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and know how to use it.
• Teach kids how to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothes catch on fire.

Safe Kids Mid-South, led by Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, wishes you a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. No matter your plans, Safe Kids has some practical tips that will help your family stay safe over the holiday.

Pool Party:

If you are planning a pool party over the holiday weekend, make sure to always have an adult serve as a “water watcher,” and follow these tips.

• Don’t rely on inflatable swimming toys such as “water wings” and noodles. If your child can’t swim, stay within an arm’s reach.
• Keep rescue equipment, a phone and emergency numbers by the pool.

Barbecue:

Before you put the burgers on the grill, follow a few simple tips to avoid grilling injuries.

• Grills should only be used outdoors and at least 10 feet away from a house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or under a surface that can catch fire.
• The grill should be placed well away from deck railings and out from under eaves and over-hanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.
• Grills should be kept clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill itself and in the trays below the grill.
• Never leave a grill unattended.
• Keep lighted cigarettes, matches or open flames away from the grill.

Outside Play:

If your kids are playing outside with friends, siblings or other family, remind them to be careful.

• Cross streets safely. Cross at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Do not assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you.
• If kids play on or near a playground, remove hood and neck drawstrings from their outerwear. Never allow children to wear helmets, necklaces, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings while on playgrounds.
• Children should always wear sport-specific, properly fitting safety gear when participating in sports.

Make it a safe holiday!  Injuries are often preventable, and adult supervision is the key.