Trampoline Injuries Are Not Child's Play

by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough

Do you have a trampoline in your back yard? Do you have a neighbor with a trampoline where the kids can play? If you do, it is important to remember that injuries can and do occur unless you are very serious about monitoring the kids play.

Researchers analyzed 50 cases of trampoline injury treated at an emergency department over the time span of just six weeks. The biggest factor associated with injury was having too many users at one time. The lightest person was five times more likely to be injured. The severity of injury also increases when there's a disparity in weight; an adult bouncing with a child.

Finally, adult supervision is key when kids are playing on trampolines. The authors found that kids have been hurt when being supervised by or bouncing with adults. Something as seemingly innocuous as a trampoline can lead to injury. Treat it seriously.