Fractures and Head Injuries: Pediatricians Warn Against Using Trampolines
As summer approaches, many parents seek creative ways to occupy their children. While there are many options, one thing they should keep away from: trampolines. Numerous doctors in Israel are voicing concerns against their use, and in the United States, reports of 100,000 'trampoline injuries' annually are not uncommon.
Summer vacation is nearing, prompting doctors to issue warnings about the dangers of children using trampolines. Due to numerous inherent risks, there has been an alarming increase in related injuries. **
** In recent years, trampolines have become a popular choice, especially in private backyards, considered an effective way to keep children entertained. **
** However, it's estimated that every week, no fewer than 30 children end up in emergency rooms across the nation due to trampoline-related injuries. **
** The concerning data presented by Ynet include numerous examples of dangerous incidents resulting from trampoline usage. One such case involves 4-year-old Shachar Litvak, who broke her leg last month while jumping on a trampoline. "Just two days after buying the trampoline, Shachar jumped with her brother," recounts her mother, Shuli. "He fell on her during the jump, breaking her leg in two places. It's no easy situation, especially for a four-year-old, to be immobile for weeks. We had concerns before purchasing it and were mostly supervising, but the accident happened within seconds, without us having the chance to react. We've since removed it, but all our neighbors have one. We just hope our kids don't get hurt visiting friends' houses." **
** Hillel Miller, deputy head nurse in Meir Hospital's emergency room in Kfar Saba, is familiar with this trend. "We see many children injured via home trampolines. Many parents are unaware of the risks," she explains. "Some injuries occur when two children jump simultaneously on the same trampoline. But risks are also present for a solo jumper who lands improperly." **
** Similarly, Orly Silbinger, CEO of the "Beterem" child safety organization, warns, "Every summer, we hear of numerous trampoline-related injuries due to bad falls or collisions with other jumpers. Most accidents happen when multiple people jump at once." **
** While awareness is still limited in Israel, in the U.S., reports of around 100,000 child injuries annually have caused the American Pediatric Association to recommend altogether quitting trampoline usage. **
** In Israel, definitive guidelines are absent, but many pediatricians urge parents to keep children away from them. Dr. Ehud Rosenblum, head of the Pediatric Emergency Unit at Meir Hospital, notes, "Parents often think letting kids jump is admirable, preferable to screen time. But this activity is risky." He continues, "In North America, it's a significant issue. While working in Canada two years ago, I witnessed the widespread problem, prompting the Canadian Medical Association to issue specific anti-trampoline guidelines." **
** Notably, a tragically highlighted trampoline injury occurred about 12 years ago when Reut Radamski, 19, suffered severe injuries during a party at the millionaire Shari Arison's residence, after a trampoline fall. **
** Dr. Rosenblum states that most injuries arise when two or more children jump simultaneously; typically, the victims are children under five, with 50% resulting in fractures. Most injuries occur in lower limbs, like the ankle, pelvis, thigh, and shin. Milder cases might involve ligament strains; more complex cases can involve broken arms or legs, even neck and head injuries. If you think net-enclosed trampolines offer more safety, think again—children might injure themselves on the net frame. "If a child lands on their neck, it could be very dangerous," he warns. **
** Thus, this summer, prioritize child safety, ensuring with Hashem's help, a safe and injury-free season.
** In recent years, trampolines have become a popular choice, especially in private backyards, considered an effective way to keep children entertained. **
** However, it's estimated that every week, no fewer than 30 children end up in emergency rooms across the nation due to trampoline-related injuries. **
** The concerning data presented by Ynet include numerous examples of dangerous incidents resulting from trampoline usage. One such case involves 4-year-old Shachar Litvak, who broke her leg last month while jumping on a trampoline. "Just two days after buying the trampoline, Shachar jumped with her brother," recounts her mother, Shuli. "He fell on her during the jump, breaking her leg in two places. It's no easy situation, especially for a four-year-old, to be immobile for weeks. We had concerns before purchasing it and were mostly supervising, but the accident happened within seconds, without us having the chance to react. We've since removed it, but all our neighbors have one. We just hope our kids don't get hurt visiting friends' houses." **
** Hillel Miller, deputy head nurse in Meir Hospital's emergency room in Kfar Saba, is familiar with this trend. "We see many children injured via home trampolines. Many parents are unaware of the risks," she explains. "Some injuries occur when two children jump simultaneously on the same trampoline. But risks are also present for a solo jumper who lands improperly." **
** Similarly, Orly Silbinger, CEO of the "Beterem" child safety organization, warns, "Every summer, we hear of numerous trampoline-related injuries due to bad falls or collisions with other jumpers. Most accidents happen when multiple people jump at once." **
** While awareness is still limited in Israel, in the U.S., reports of around 100,000 child injuries annually have caused the American Pediatric Association to recommend altogether quitting trampoline usage. **
** In Israel, definitive guidelines are absent, but many pediatricians urge parents to keep children away from them. Dr. Ehud Rosenblum, head of the Pediatric Emergency Unit at Meir Hospital, notes, "Parents often think letting kids jump is admirable, preferable to screen time. But this activity is risky." He continues, "In North America, it's a significant issue. While working in Canada two years ago, I witnessed the widespread problem, prompting the Canadian Medical Association to issue specific anti-trampoline guidelines." **
** Notably, a tragically highlighted trampoline injury occurred about 12 years ago when Reut Radamski, 19, suffered severe injuries during a party at the millionaire Shari Arison's residence, after a trampoline fall. **
** Dr. Rosenblum states that most injuries arise when two or more children jump simultaneously; typically, the victims are children under five, with 50% resulting in fractures. Most injuries occur in lower limbs, like the ankle, pelvis, thigh, and shin. Milder cases might involve ligament strains; more complex cases can involve broken arms or legs, even neck and head injuries. If you think net-enclosed trampolines offer more safety, think again—children might injure themselves on the net frame. "If a child lands on their neck, it could be very dangerous," he warns. **
** Thus, this summer, prioritize child safety, ensuring with Hashem's help, a safe and injury-free season.
