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SALT LAKE CITY -- Summer time means lots of time outside and for some kids that means time on the trampoline.
Now that most trampolines come with netting around them many people assume most of the danger is taken care of since kids can't fall out. However, that isn't the case.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says Trampoline accidents have become a national epidemic. While common injuries are cuts, sprains and fractures, some accidents can lead to permanent damage.
"Children can actually have a significant head injury from falling off the trampoline," said Lois Lee with Boston's Children's Hospital. "Cervical spine injuries leading to quadriplegia or death can actually occur and those usually happen when children are trying to do tricks or somersaults on the trampoline."
Experts say the most common mistake people make is allowing multiple people to jump at once. All manufacturer's specifically state it is safer if only one person is on the trampoline at the time. Another problem is when the trampoline is left in one place too long allowing it to seep into the ground. The trampoline gets unlevel which changes the dynamic of the bounce. They also say trampoline owners should not leave the ladder attached or any other entry accessible unless an adult is supervising.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission there are about 100-thousand trampoline accidents a year, most involving kids under the age of 18. In most of those cases the injuries were avoidable.
E-mail: bwalker@ksl.com
