Trampoline Safety
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? Many children enjoy jumping on a trampoline. Although a trampoline is fun, it can be very dangerous if used in the wrong way. Trampoline injuries include sprains, broken bones, head injuries, bruises, and cuts. Injuries commonly occur when a child falls off the trampoline or bumps into another person sharing the trampoline.
Trampoline safety rules: The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that you should not have a trampoline at home. However if you do have a home trampoline, follow these steps to make your trampoline as safe as possible:
- Set rules. Explain them to all new friends who come to jump on the trampoline. Teach your child to remind his friends about the rules each time they jump.
- Allow only one person at a time on the trampoline.
- Always stay with children while they jump on the trampoline.
- Do not allow children to do somersaults on the trampoline. This could lead to head or neck injury. Tell them to try to stay in the center of the trampoline when jumping. Also move the trampoline away from other play structures and trees to help prevent injury.
- Keep children under six years old off of the trampoline. Also keep ladders away from the trampoline. This will prevent small children from climbing onto the trampoline.
- Make sure fences and doors that lead to the yard and trampoline are locked. This may help prevent children from jumping on the trampoline when you are not there to watch them.
- Put a safety net around the trampoline. This may help to prevent falls, but do not depend on it to prevent accidents.
- Use a safety pad. Make sure that the springs, hooks, and frame are covered by a cushioned safety pad. Inspect the cover often to make sure no rips or metal parts are showing. Also check often for broken parts and disconnected hooks.
What should I do if a child is injured on the trampoline? If your child is injured, stay calm. If it seems like the injury is mild, such as a small cut, get a first aid kit and treat the injury. If you think your child may have hurt his neck, back, or head, tell someone to call 911. Do not try to move your child. If you have other children with you, ask other adults to help you watch them. Stay by the injured child until help arrives.
Where can I find more information on trampoline safety? Contact the following organizations to learn more about trampoline safety:
- American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Boulevard
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098
Phone: 1-847-434-4000
Web Address: http://www.aap.org
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, District of Columbia 20207-0001
Phone: 1-800-638-2772
Web Address: www.cpsc.gov
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to keep your child safe on a trampoline. To help with this plan, you must learn about trampoline safety. You can then discuss safety with your caregiver if you have questions or concerns. You always have the right to refuse the instructions on this sheet.
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