The weather is finally taking a warmer turn as we head into the second month of coronavirus quarantine in Connecticut. At this point, parents are likely looking for anything and everything to keep their kids busy. But if you were thinking of popping them up on a trampoline to bounce out all that energy, think again.
The Mayo Clinic estimates more than 1 million Americans are seen in emergency rooms for trampoline-related injuries every year, and most of them are children under the age of 16. In a time where going to the hospital is scarier than ever, health experts around the world are issuing a stern warning to parents to keep their kids off of these hazardous apparatuses. Not only will this precaution reduce their risk of injury, but staying away from the emergency room will protect the entire family from additional exposure to COVID-19.
Trampolines Injure Millions Every Year
Trampolines can be a parent’s worst nightmare. These monster jumping toys are made to lift kids high up in the air, with absolutely no guarantee of them coming back down safely.
According to OrthoInfo, the following scenarios are just a few of the ways kids most often get hurt on a trampoline:
- Falling off the trampoline onto the ground, into bystanders, or colliding with stationary objects.
- Impact injuries from landing too hard on the trampoline mat, frame, or springs.
- Getting feet and hands stuck inside of the springs.
- Attempting difficult acrobatic moves and risky stunts.
- Double bouncing off the trampoline or into another bouncer.
- Colliding in the air with other bouncers.
- Slipping and falling when putting water on the trampoline.
Most Common Pediatric Injuries From Trampolines
Injuries sustained on trampolines can range from minor bumps and bruises to catastrophic fractures. Mayo Clinic reports that at least one-third of trampoline accidents involve a bone fracture to the lower or upper extremities. The most common of these injuries are fractures to the ulna and radius- the two largest bones located in the forearm. These fractures generally occur when children are reaching outward with their hands to brace themselves upon landing.
Additional trampoline injuries commonly reported, according to a study published in AAA News and Journals analyzing trends of both indoor and outdoor trampoline injuries, include:
- Spinal fractures
- Lacerations (small and large)
- Head, ribs, and sternum injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
- Dislocations
- Chronic pain
Severe trampoline injuries can require intensive care and long-term treatment, some resulting in hospitalizations. However, even the most minor trampoline injuries can still require a visit to the hospital or local medical center for stitches and scans.
Additionally, most broken bones and trampoline injuries that require medical care will also need follow-up appointments that cannot be conducted via virtual doctor’s visits. These could include concussion screenings, X-rays, MRI’s, cast removals, or wound checks that all must be conducted at a medical facility that could be exposed to patients with COVID-19.
Nets Do Not Protect Your Kids
So many parents make the mistake of purchasing trampolines that include nets with the expectation that they will reduce injuries. Unfortunately, these massive nets do not always function properly and have been known to collapse on top of children or giveaway in some instances.
Even when trampoline nets do come without defects, children are very creative in finding ways to use them to accentuate the severity of their injuries. Thousands of injuries have been reported by children who purposely jump over trampoline nets, climb up the outside, bounce into the net to be “caught”, or use it as a sling-shot to bounce directly into another person. The safest way to jump on a trampoline this spring is to forget about it altogether.
Safer Ways To Stay Active
Connecticut hospitals still remain available to help those in critical need of medical care, especially children. However, in a time when healthcare workers are working around the clock shifts to save patients diagnosed with COVID-19, we all have to do our part to reduce the number of preventable injuries that cycle through the emergency rooms.
Keeping kids active while staying at home all the time can be frustrating and stressful. And though a quick jumping session on a trampoline is tempting, the benefit won’t outweigh the risk if your child becomes injured. Here are some other suggestions for keeping kids busy and moving outdoors as the weather warms up:
- Outdoor dance parties
- Scavenger hunts
- Bike rides
- Family walks
- Foot races (spread apart)
- Obstacle courses
- Building a fort
- Hide and seek
- Freeze tag
- Blowing bubbles
- Charades
- Yoga
- Nature exploration
- Soccer, basketball, baseball, or soccer games
- Chalk drawing courses
- Yardwork
Supervision and perpetration is key to preventing injuries while staying at home. Take a second to go around your house to kid-proof in the morning and throughout the day to remove any obvious hazards in reach that could cause injury. Always supervise your children when they are playing outside. The presence of an adult can sometimes reduce the chance of kids trying risky maneuvers that they normally would go for without your watchful eye.
Connecticut Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys
There is no excuse for providing kids with an apparatus to play on that is known to cause serious and life-altering injuries. You may have a strict no trampoline rule at your home, but that doesn’t mean your child won’t take the chance to jump on someone else’s. Parents who neglect the safety of children by purchasing home trampolines can be held accountable if your child becomes injured in an accident on their premises.
If your child has been injured in a trampoline accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for damages suffered. Our attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace have extensive knowledge and experience with these types of injury claims. Contact our expert team of personal injury attorneys for a free consultation to explore your legal rights.
