TRAMPOLINES are one of the latest crazes in the UK, sprouting up in back gardens across the UK, and said to be the third most requested gift by children aged five to 13. They are fun and great for exercise, but hav unfortunately become associated with a number of serious injuries.
Around 75 per cent of injuries happen when one or more person is on the trampoline, when the lightest person is five times more likely to be the one injured.
Children aged under six are particularly vulnerable.
The main causes are collisions with another person falling incorrectly when attempting stunts and falling on to the trampoline frame or springs.
Head and neck injuries are the most serious associated with trampolining, but any part of the body can be affected, with around ten per cent of children attending hospital needing surgery.
To avoid injury to their children, parents should: Read the trampoline manufacturer's instruction carefully - always use the safety net, if provided Avoid siting the trampoline near buildings, fences other play equipment, swimming pools, power lines or trees Cover all springs, hooks and frame with appropriate shock-absorbing pads Cover the ground around the trampoline with shock-absorbent material Check the trampoline regularly for wear and tear Stow away ladders, steps, stools and anything small children can climb on, to get unattended access to the trampoline However old the person is using the trampoline, two adults should always be close by as 'spotters to help prevent them falling off.
When using a trampoline remember: Never use it in darkness Only one person at a time!
No somersaults, back flips, or stunts Never jump on, or off, the trampoline A study carried out at the John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford, involved 171 children who attended the emergency department with a trampoline-related injury during 2004-2005. Of these children, aged five-17years, 53 per cent of their injuries occurred when more than one person was using the trampoline 62 per cent of all injuries happened when there was no adult supervision; 34 per cent suffered fractures and nine per cent required surgery.
A trampoline fact sheet is available on line a www.impsweb.co.uk
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