Trampoline Injuries: The hidden danger in our backyards
Trampolines are simply danger waiting to happen. That’s why owners are, in some states, required to keep trampolines behind locked gates. Nearly 80,000 children ages fourteen and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for trampoline-related injuries in 2008. Instruction is needed to jump safely along with spotters and adult supervision.
Interestingly, the “bounce houses” so captivating for little kids’ birthday parties and store grand openings, which look trampoline-like inside, pose great danger to little children. A child goes to the ER every 45 seconds because of bouncing injuries. At the West Coast Center for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, we see plenty of trampoline injuries.
Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Thompson et al., 2012) say inflatable bouncers are the cause of a fifteen-fold increase in injuries to kids—mostly broken bones, strains, and sprains but also head and neck injuries.
Doctors see plenty of trampoline injuries
Trampoline Injuries for inflatable bouncers are similar to those we docs see on trampolines, which have national safety guidelines. Bounce houses have no guidelines. So set your own rules.
Consider the risks before allowing your children to use an inflatable bouncer. If you allow your child to use an inflatable bouncer, limit use to children six years of age and older. Make sure an adult is there to supervise while the bouncer is in use and allow only one child on the bouncer at a time to avoid trampoline injuries. If more than one child will be on the bouncer at the same time, the children should be about the same age and size.
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