The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that in 2001 there were nearly 92,000 hospital emergency room-treated injuries nationwide associated with trampolines. About 93 percent of those were children under 15 years of age, 11 percent were under the age of 5 and since 1990, CPSC has received reports of six deaths involving trampolines. Common trampoline injuries are broken bones (often needing surgery), concussions and other head injuries, neck and spinal injuries, sprains and strains, bruises, scrapes and cuts.

"Children end up in the Emergency Department for many reasons, but trampolines cause children to visit our Emergency Department frequently," said Dr. Lise Christensen, Emergency Medical Physician at East Tennessee Children's Hospital. "Injuries from trampolines are a problem we see all too often. The problems associated with trampolines can be serious and very dangerous for all children and can require a stay in the hospital."

Most of these injuries happen on home trampolines. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that trampolines never be used at home, in routine gym classes, or on playgrounds. "Trampolines should be used only in supervised training programs for gymnastics, diving or other competitive sports and only under the direct supervision of a professional trained in trampoline safety," Christensen stated. The AAP also says that even when supervised, children under the age of 6 years should not be allowed to use a trampoline.

In addition, the hazards that result in injuries from trampolines include colliding with another person on the trampoline, landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline, falling or jumping off the trampoline, and falling on the trampoline springs or frame.

East Tennessee Children's Hospital, the AAP, and www.keepkidshealthy.com offer the following steps to help prevent serious trampoline injuries:

· Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time.

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