|
|
| Return to Articles |
Avoid Injuries |
Trampolines are great fun for children and adults alike. Not only are they entertaining, they are also great for keeping active and staying in shape. However, every bouncer must remember that trampoline injuries can happen and trampoline safety is no doubt in the forefront of every parent’s mind when purchasing a trampoline. However, trampoline injuries can easily be avoided if simple safety rules are followed, giving parents peace of mind and children the freedom to enjoy bouncing!
So what are the facts regarding trampoline related injuries? The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) states that 246,875 trampoline injuries are treated every year in the USA! Over half of these injuries took place among children under fourteen years of age, fifteen per cent of which occurred to children aged six or under. However, only four per cent of cases that enter a hospital emergency room need hospitalisation. Trampoline related deaths are incredibly low, with eleven reported deaths between 1990 and 1999.
There are several types of injuries that an emergency room sees the most when bouncers take an unplanned tumble! Main injuries for bouncers include falling on trampoline springs or its frame, falling off the trampoline, colliding with another bouncer or attempting tricks that go wrong! Over seventy-five per cent of reported trampoline accidents are due to collisions with other bouncers. These statistics appear reason enough to restrict the number of trampoline users, as the manual will instruct. You will thus keep injury to an absolute minimum.
So what are the most common injuries resulting from improper trampoline use? Without proper adult supervision and adhering to safety advice, sprained ankles, wrists and feet are the most common grievance for trampoline users. If too many bouncers use the trampoline at once, or safety mats are too few and far between, broken bones can occur or minor head injuries. The best treatment of a sore head or swollen ankle is prevention!
As with all children activities, good supervision and adherence to the users manual can prevent the vast majority of potential injuries and enable all trampoline users hours of fun, without the risk of hurting themselves or others. If you follow a few key safety tips, injuries can be avoided and will prevent you from becoming part of the annual injury statistics or sporting bruised knees!
First and foremost, always read through the user manual provided when your purchase and assemble your trampoline. Sticking to the instructions and making sure you assemble your trampoline correctly and in a suitable place will prevent many potential injuries. Making sure you read up on the rules of use with all users will keep everyone happy and you in safe knowledge that everyone is clued up on trampoline safety. Reading the user manual with your children before they begin bouncing is also a great way to get them reading and excited about their new trampoline!
After accurately assembling your trampoline with the user manual, always remember to monitor its use and any wear on a regular basis. By noticing potential wear and tear in its early stages will enable you to repair and thus evade any serious damage and serious injury as a result.
There are many different types of equipment now on the market that can further avoid trampoline injury so your mind will be put at rest whilst watching your child enjoy the exhilarating feeling of trampoline bouncing! Safety enclosures and nets are an affordable and easy way to keep bouncers from falling off the trampoline canvas. They are easily assembled, can usually be purchased with a manufacturers warranty, and give invaluable peace of mind to supervisors.
If you plan on purchasing trampoline accessories, always use then sensibly. Trampoline games and accessories are a great way to keep kids entertained and active, but keeping to the manual rules and restrictions will make games safe as well as fun. Keeping your children aware of the dangers and showing them the correct use of such games will keep them safe and give older children the chance to show their responsible side.
If you are still concerned about trampoline injuries, there are now spring free trampolines available on the market for an extra cost. These boast to be the safest trampoline style that prevents trampoline injury by almost ninety-nine per cent. However, by following the safety advice above there may be no need to pay for overly expensive equipment. Abiding by safety rules and supervising your trampoline will keep injuries at bay, with no need to worry.
|
|
|