Wednesday, September 11, 2019
While trampolines can be a fun backyard addition, they can also be dangerous--and not just for your kids. Adults can also become injured while using trampolines, and are encouraged to warm up for trampoline use the way they would for other forms of exercise."Many injuries come from multiple people jumping at once," states L. Reid Nichols, MD, FAAOS, pediatric orthopaedic surgeon and spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). "To limit injuries, ensure only one participant on a trampoline at a time. Trampolines are fun, but the injuries can be devastating. Ensure rules are implemented and followed. Check also with your insurance rider before purchasing a home trampoline."
Exercise caution while jumping on a trampoline by following these simple tips from orthopaedic surgeons at the AAOS:
- Do not allow children younger than six years of age to use trampolines.
- Provide attentive adult supervision, proper safety measures and instruction when trampolines are used for physical education, competitive gymnastics, diving training and other similar activities.
- Ensure that spotters are present when participants are jumping. Somersaults or high-risk maneuvers should be avoided without proper supervision and instruction; these maneuvers should be attempted only with proper use of protective equipment, such as a harness.
- Place the trampoline-jumping surface at ground level.
- Ensure that supporting bars, strings and surrounding landing surfaces have adequate protective padding that is in good condition and appropriately placed.
- Regularly check equipment for safety conditions; discard worn or damaged equipment if replacement parts are unavailable.
- Do not rely only on safety net enclosures for injury prevention; most injuries occur on the trampoline surface.
- Remove trampoline ladders after use to prevent unsupervised access by young children.
Source: AAOS
RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com