Trampolining injuries presenting to a children’s emergency department

Abstract

Background: There has been an unprecedented surge in the popularity of trampolines in the UK and in the number of children attending emergency departments with associated injuries.

Aim: To record the incidence, injury type and risk factors for children attending the emergency department of a busy suburban hospital with trampolining injuries.

Methods: Between May and September 2008, all eligible patients had a proforma completed recording mechanism, time and type of injury, the number of children trampolining at the time of the injury and whether a supervising adult or safety net was present. Analgesia requirements, treatment and follow-up were recorded.

Results: 131 children presented with trampolining injuries (1.5% of paediatric attendances). The average age was 8.8 years (range 1–16). 77 (59%) had no net present and 87 (66%) no supervising adult. 89 (68%) sustained injuries without actually falling from the trampoline and, on average, 2.6 people (range 1–7) were on the trampoline at the time of the injury. 81 (62%) required a radiograph and 40 (31%) were diagnosed with fractures. 18 (14%) required surgery and 28 (21%) were discharged with clinic follow-up. 18 (14%) sustained lacerations that required closure in the department.

Conclusion: The enormous increase in trampoline sales has brought with it a significant increase in the injuries presenting to UK emergency departments. Safety information is given by manufacturers, retailers and local government authorities, but many parents fail to heed this advice. A combination of inadequate adult supervision, several people using a trampoline simultaneously and insufficient safety equipment seems inextricably linked with injury. Greater parental and public awareness is required regarding the potential dangers of what is perhaps unwittingly considered a light-hearted pastime.