Warning: trampolines are dangerous!

Some physicians were curious to find out if the recommendations issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) at the end of the 70’s, had had any repercussions on the number of trampoline-related injuries. They were in for quite a surprise! There had actually been an increase, not a decrease, in the number of injuries directly linked to trampolines!

In 1977, the APP had issued an advisory forbidding the use of trampolines in schools. Four years later, they decided to relax this rule, and for a trial period, trampolines were once again allowed in schools. At that time however, they had specifically recommended that trampolines neither be used at home, nor in recreational centres.

The analysis of an American database, which compiled cases of accidental injuries that required visits to emergency rooms, revealed an increase of 113% in injuries attributable to trampolines between 1990 and 1995, and again between 2000 and 2005. The vast majority of the injuries, 95%, had occurred on trampolines that had been set up at home.

The researchers believe that this increase is directly linked to the fact that trampolines are more accessible and affordable than they were in the past. Today, you can actually purchase one for less than $300. In 2004, no less than 1.2 million trampolines were actually sold in the United Sates.

The severity of reported trampoline-related injuries varies from fractures to soft tissue injuries. Children under the age of five actually account for more than 13% of cases, and most had suffered fractures. Older children had typically suffered contusions serious enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room.

Physicians want to remind people that trampolines can never be completely safe at home. Parents simply cannot ensure adequate surveillance at every given moment, which is actually necessary with this type of apparatus.

Parents, protect your children!  If your children really want to jump on a trampoline, sign them up for gymnastics or circus lessons!