Madam, - The recent recall of trampolines by a children's toyshop (The Irish Times, October 15th) is a timely occasion to remind parents that home trampolines are inherently unsafe for children. Indeed, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that trampolines should not be used at home, inside or outside.
Paediatricians are asked to advise parents never to purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines. The trampoline should not be part of routine physical education classes in schools. The trampoline has no place in outdoor playgrounds and should never be regarded as play equipment.
These recommendations followed a report of an estimated 83,400 trampoline-related injuries in 1996 in the United States, a rate of 31.5 injuries per 100,000 population. This represented an annual rate 140 per cent higher than was reported in 1990. In this report, most injuries were sustained on home trampolines. Most trampoline-related injuries occur from falls on and off the trampoline. Many trampoline-related injuries occur when there are simultaneous multiple users. The most likely injuries resulting in hospitalisation are fractures to the upper and lower extremities; these injuries may be severe, often resulting in surgery. Catastrophic cervical spine injuries are thankfully rare.
Between 1990 and 1999, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission received reports of six deaths involving trampolines. Victims ranged in age from three to 21 years, although the 21-year-old died six years after being injured on a trampoline.
The need for supervision and trained personnel at all times makes home use of trampolines extremely unwise. Despite all currently available measures to prevent injury, the potential for serious injury while using a trampoline remains. - Yours, etc,
TONY RYAN, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Cork University Hospital, Cork.