Trampoline safety a serious problem

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 570, 24 January 1995, Page 3

Trampoline safety a serious problem

By

Kerry

Hines,

Wanganui Child Injury Prevention Project A recent study has found that trampolines are a serious problem for Wanganui children. In just one year, 83 children were treated by the Wanganui Hospital's Emergency Department for injuries which had happened while they were using a trampoline. Ten of these children had to be admitted to hospital. Most of the injuries involved broken arms and legs. Although this may not sound serious, afew of the fractures were bad enough that the children had to stay for more than a month in hospital. One of the greatest dangers from trampoline use is that a child will land on their neck, causing permanent damage to the spine, and several of the Wanganui children had neck injuries. The Wanganui study found that most injuries happened in spring or summer, on trampolines at home, while more than one child was on the trampoline. Children aged 4-6 and 91 1 seem to have a slightly higher risk of getting hurt. Improved safely You can improve children' s safety on trampolines by following these simple tips, promoted by the Wanganui Child Injury Prevention Project. • Install the trampoline safely: Ensure that children can't fall off it onto hard surfaces such as concrete;

Position it so children won' t hit against branches, clotheslines etc as they bounce up; Make sure the trampoline is level. • Help your child to learn how to use a trampoline safely: Most manufacturers provide detailed informa-

tion with their trampoline, including information on safe use and maintenance. Your child may be too young, or too impatient to go through this - they ' 11 need your help. • Supervise children when they're using the

trampoline. Children may forget, or be distracted, from the rules. • Make sure only one person is on the trampoline at one time. Injuries are more likely to happen when more than one person is on it. TURNTOPAGE4

Trampoline safety a serious problem

FROM PAGE 3 • Remember to make sure that: children don' t jump from the trampoline to the ground; children don't eat or drink while they're on the trampoline; and that nobody goes under the trampoline while it's in use, and that nothing is stored under it. • Make sure your child doesn't try to do somersaults without trained coaching. If your child wants to learn this sort of advanced manoeuvre, they should get proper coaching from a qualified coach. • Cover the springs with the proper safety pads. Many shops sell the pads separately, giving the impression that they are "optional extras". They aren't. If you think you can't afford them, don't buy the trampoline. • Ensure that the trampoline meets the New Zealand Standards Association requirements. Trampolines were invented in 1936, and were used in training by fighter pilots during World War II. They quickly became popular for recreational use, and have been widely used in New Zealand since their arrival here in the mid 1970s.