| Trampolines are safe for recreational use if proper | | | | 3. The trampoline has no place in outdoor playgrounds |
| adult supervision is present, and adherence to strict | | | | and should never be regarded as play equipment. |
| safety rules is maintained - this is the opinion of most | | | | These are the safety guidelines issued by the AAP |
| trampoline manufacturers and supporters. The | | | | organization if trampolines are to be used: |
| American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other | | | | 1. Steel frame and springs should be covered with a |
| organizations such as the Consumer Product Safety | | | | safety pad. |
| Commission (CPSC) do not think so. | | | | 2. Impact-absorbing safety surface material for impact |
| The US Consumer Product Safety Commission | | | | areas |
| (CPSC) states that 95,000 hospital emergency | | | | 3. Maintenance and repair for tears, rust, and |
| room-treated injuries in 1998 were associated with | | | | detachments. |
| trampolines. 75 were kids under the age of 15. Then in | | | | 4. Safety harnesses and spotting belts |
| 2002, the CPSC again estimated that 60,000 | | | | 5. Setting the trampoline in a pit so the mat is at ground |
| trampoline-related emergency room-treated injuries | | | | level should be considered. |
| were kids between the ages of 5 and 14. Since 1990, | | | | 6. Ladders may provide unintended access to the |
| the CPSC has received six reported deaths involving | | | | trampoline by small children and should not be used. |
| the seemingly harmless trampoline. | | | | 7. Only one person should use the trampoline at a time. |
| According to the CPSC, most of the trampoline | | | | 8. In supervised settings, the user of the trampoline |
| associated injuries were sustained at private homes. | | | | should be at the center of the mat. The user of the |
| The injuries and deaths were caused by: | | | | trampoline should not attempt maneuvers beyond |
| 1. Colliding with another person while jumping on the | | | | capability or training, thereby putting them at risk for |
| trampoline. | | | | injury. |
| 2. Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on | | | | 9. Personnel trained in trampoline safety and |
| the trampoline. | | | | competent spotters should be present whenever the |
| 3. Falling or jumping off the trampoline. | | | | trampoline is in use. |
| 4. Falling on the trampoline springs or frame. | | | | 10. Even in supervised training programs, the use of |
| The majority of injuries caused by using trampolines | | | | trampolines for children younger than 6 years of age |
| include sprains, fractures, scrapes, bruises and cuts, | | | | should be prohibited. |
| and serious injuries to the head and neck which can | | | | 11. The trampoline must be secured and not accessible |
| cause paralysis and death. According to the American | | | | when not in use. |
| Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), disastrous cervical | | | | The CPSC also issued additional safety measures |
| spine injuries are rare, but head and neck injuries | | | | while using the trampoline which include: |
| constitute a considerable number of the more serious | | | | 1. Somersaults should not be attempted because |
| injuries requiring hospitalization. | | | | landing on the head or neck can cause paralysis. |
| These are the recommendations laid out by the AAP: | | | | 2. Trampolines should not be used without |
| 1. The trampoline should not be used at home, inside or | | | | shock-absorbing pads that completely cover the |
| outside. | | | | springs, hooks, and frames. |
| 2. The trampoline should not be part of routine physical | | | | 3. Trampolines should be laced away from structures, |
| education classes in schools. | | | | trees, and other play areas. |