Warning over trampoline dangers
Wednesday June 3rd, 2009
Having a trampoline at a family party or barbecue may be a bad idea, doctors warned today.
There are dangers in children of trampolining with adults, particularly when alcohol is involved, according to a new analysis.
The latest official figures available (for 2002) showed that 11,500 people in the UK were taken to hospital after an accident with a trampoline.
On the website of the British Medical Journal, Dr Andrew Bogacz and colleagues at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee, UK, write: "The onset of spring is guaranteed to see family trampolines being dusted off and children attending hospital with trampoline-related injuries."
They analysed 50 trampoline-related accidents which led to Accident and Emergency department visits. Details of the accidents were compared against safety guidelines from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
"The most important factor associated with trampoline injury is having many users on a trampoline at one time," they report. "The lightest person is five times more likely to be injured.
"We have found that the severity of the injury also increases with the mismatch between child and adult weights. For example, a child of 20 kg can experience a force equivalent to a 3.5 m fall when bouncing with an adult of 80 kg."
The experts warn that adult supervision is crucial in preventing trampoline injuries. "The most influential role of a supervising adult is to ensure safety guidelines are followed, exuberance is controlled, and help is provided with getting up and dismounting from the trampoline."
They add that children have been hurt while being supervised or bouncing with adults who have been drinking alcohol. "Adults, please note that lager, wine, and trampolines do not mix," they conclude.
Tags: A&E | Child Health | Drug and Alcohol Abuse | General Health | UK News
Printer friendly page