Jumping on trampolines can be extremely fun. However, increased use of trampolines means increased used of disabling spinal cord injuries. Many of these injuries result in permanent paralysis.
Statistics on Trampoline Spinal Cord Injuries
About 20 percent of all spinal cord injuries occur to the head and neck, most of which are the result of jumpers colliding with one another, falling on the trampoline springs or frame, attempting stunts, and falling off the trampoline. These incidents frequently result in paralysis from spinal cord injury.
Treatment for Trampoline Injuries
Trampoline injuries that result in trauma to the neck or spine should be treated immediately but carefully. The injured person should not be moved until emergency medical services have arrived.
Trampoline Safety
The reduce the possibility of serious injury as the result of trampoline use:
- Have an adult present at all times
- Use a surrounding net to prevent jumpers from falling off the surface
- Place the trampoline jumping surface at ground level
- Ensure that landing surfaces are appropriately padded
- Allow only one person to jump at a time
- Avoid stunts and high-risk maneuvers