Guide
Trauma surgeon on 5 things you should never do with children
by Katja Fischer
Trampoline: what are the dangers?
25.6.2019
Translation: machine translated
Fractures and neck and head injuries are typical of trampoline accidents. By applying the following advice, you can considerably reduce the risk of an accident.
As a child, I could spend hours or even whole afternoons on the trampoline. Apart from jumping, you couldn't do anything else. It was just a little thing my mum used for her aerobic session (once very fashionable). I actually wonder how it once became trendy. Will our children feel the same way when, 20 years from now, they see photos of us on SUP?
Trampolines today are much bigger and therefore more dangerous. According to a study carried out by ChildSafetyEurope, 51,000 children are hospitalised each year in the EU following a trampoline accident; around one in two walk away with a fracture. Neck and head injuries are also common. What's clear is that 75% of accidents occur when several children are on the trampoline at the same time. Other causes of accidents include dangerous jumps, exhaustion, contact with trampoline springs and jumping off the trampoline to get off.
What are the rules to follow?
What can you do as a parent to prevent your children from injuring themselves on the trampoline? I put this question to the bpa (Accident Prevention Bureau). The latter recommends applying the following rules and advice:
- the trampoline should only be used by one child at a time;
- an adult must supervise the children at all times and intervene before the situation becomes too dangerous;
- the trampoline must be fitted with a safety net;
- to get off, do not jump off the trampoline, but stop jumping on the trampoline to get off in a controlled manner;
- a children's trampoline is not a jumping device. Children should avoid risky jumps such as somersaults;
- on the trampoline, jump barefoot, wearing gym slippers or light, thin-soled trainers;
- clear rules must be set and breaks imposed;
- the trampoline must be checked at regular intervals and worn, overstressed or missing parts must be replaced. The bfu has prepared a checklist for the maintenance of leisure trampolines.
Who is responsible in the event of an accident?
According to the bfu, in the event of an accident, responsibility lies with the owner of the trampoline, i.e. the person who makes the trampoline available. You are therefore also considered liable if something happens to your neighbour's child using your trampoline without your knowledge. As the bfu strongly recommends constant supervision of jumping children, it is convinced that trampolines have no place in public places such as school playgrounds or restaurant play areas, as no control can be guaranteed there.
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