Adult Supervision Critical in Trampoline Injury Prevention

Lack of adequate safety features, multiple users, inebriated adults also up injury toll

WEDNESDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- Lack of adult supervision and adequate safety features, as well as multiple users of different weights cause trampoline-related injuries serious enough to require hospital treatment, according to a letter published online June 3 in BMJ.

Andrew Bogacz, and colleagues at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, U.K., analyzed 50 cases of trampoline-related injury that presented to their hospital's accident and emergency ward over a six-week period to assess the main factors associated with injury. Injuries to the legs were most common, occurring in 54 percent of cases, followed by 32 percent with arm injuries and 14 percent with injuries to the head, neck, face and chest.

The authors note that multiple users was a factor in 80 percent of trampoline-related injuries, while 64 percent occurred on trampolines without a safety net, and 46 percent occurred in the absence of adult supervision. A large mismatch between adult and child weights increases the impact on an injury to the lighter parties, the researchers point out.

"Adult supervision is crucial in preventing trampoline injuries," the authors conclude. "We note that children have been hurt while being supervised or bouncing with adults who have been drinking at a summer garden party, for example. Adults, please note that lager, wine, and trampolines do not mix."

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