WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is trampoline safety? Trampoline safety means following rules to prevent injury. A trampoline can be dangerous if used in the wrong way. Trampoline injuries include sprains, broken bones, head injuries, bruises, and cuts. Injuries commonly occur when a child falls off the trampoline or bumps into another person sharing the trampoline.

What are some trampoline safety rules? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that trampolines not be used at home. If you do have a home trampoline, the following rules will help make your trampoline as safe as possible. Explain the rules to all new friends who come to jump on the trampoline. Teach your child to remind his friends about the rules each time they jump.

• Always stay with children while they jump on the trampoline. Adult supervision is necessary for trampoline safety. The adult should make sure children follow all safety rules. Any child who does not follow the rules should not be allowed to use the trampoline.
  
  
• Allow only one person at a time on the trampoline. This will prevent injury from 2 people bumping into one another.
  
  
• Do not allow children to do somersaults or stunts. This could lead to head or neck injury. Tell them to try to stay in the center of the trampoline when jumping. Do not allow anyone to jump from another structure onto the trampoline. Do not allow anyone to jump or do a somersault off the trampoline.
  
  
• Keep children younger than 6 years off the trampoline. Keep ladders away from the trampoline. This will prevent small children from climbing onto the trampoline.
  
  
• Make sure fences and doors that lead to the yard and trampoline are locked. This may help prevent children from jumping on the trampoline when you are not there to watch them.
  
  
• Put a safety net around the trampoline. This may help to prevent falls, but do not depend on it to prevent accidents.
  
  
• Use a safety pad. Make sure that the springs, hooks, and frame are covered by a cushioned safety pad. Inspect the cover often to make sure no rips or metal parts are showing. Also check often for broken parts and disconnected hooks.

What should I do if a child is injured on the trampoline? Stay calm. If it seems like the injury is mild, such as a small cut, get a first aid kit and treat the injury. If you think the child may have hurt his neck, back, or head, tell someone to call 911. Do not try to move the child. If other children are with you, ask other adults to help you watch them. Stay by the injured child until help arrives.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.