Health Watch: Trampoline Safety

ATLANTA - Summertime and trampolines go hand-in-hand for a lot of Georgia kids. But every year, the consumer product safety commission says about a 100,000 Americans are injured in trampoline accidents.

So, is it okay to let your little guys jump to their heart's content? Or should you steer clear of trampolines?

A lot of trampolines today have padding and netting designed to make them safer. But experts say kids are still getting hurt. Even with the extra safety features, and even when they're following the rules.

That's why the country's largest pediatricians group says trampolines are not worth the risk that comes with them.

"When I hear the word trampoline, I think about injuries, because I've known so many patients who have broken and arm or a leg. A neck! They've gotten a concussion," said Children's Medical Group pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu.

Pediatrician Jennifer Shu says what's fun on a trampoline is - unfortunately - not safe.

"In order to safely use a trampoline there should only be one person at a time on it, most kids don't want to do that. And you should only stay in the middle and avoid doing tricks like summersaults. Again, very boring to be safe," said Shu.

Every year, thousands of Georgia kids get hurt landing incorrectly, knocking into each other, hitting the frame or springs, or falling or jumping off a trampoline. That's why The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents not to buy home trampolines.

The only ones the group thinks are safe? Ones like a trampoline in rehab centers or gyms like the Atlanta Gymnastics Center.

For Coach Lorena Johnson it's not your typical trampoline. For starts, it's in the floor.

"So when kids bounce off, they're on level ground. We have all the springs covered," said Atlanta Gymnastic Center coach Lorena Johnson. "And we always have someone watching the kids while they're bouncing. We only allow one person on at a time, there's no double bouncing. When you're on in a backyard, sometimes there's five kids at a time bouncing on the trampoline."

Dr. Shu says she knows kids love jumping.

"I don't see any reason to have a trampoline or use a trampoline. I know that sounds very harsh, but I think kid's safety is really important. And there are a lot of other ways to have fun," said Shu.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta says its emergency room has treated about 20 kids this summer for trampoline related injuries. The most common injury was a broken bone.

But Shepherd Center also treats several young patients a year who suffer spinal cord injuries in trampoline accidents. Head injuries are also a risk, especially when it comes to falling off trampolines.