Children love them, but in fact, trampolines are much more dangerous than it seems. First of all because of the falls and fractures which they create on a large scale and which fill the pediatric emergencies. But in England, it was a new drama that revealed another danger of trampoline.
The trampoline dragged several meters with a little girl
The accident revealed by the British media took place last month in the village of Longney, in the Gloucestershire in England. On May 10, Felicity Keepin, a 3 -year -old girl, took advantage of the brand new trampoline bought a week earlier by her parents. A fun and banal moment, spent under the supervision of his mother.
But according to the neighbors, a violent and unexpected gust of wind, described as mini tornado, suddenly swept the trampoline. Raised, he won and projected the little girl over a hedge over several tens of meters before landing in a field. The BBC announces it, the family has not yet set the trampoline on the ground. Emergency management at Bristol hospital, the little girl died 7 days later from her injuries.
Always anchor your trampoline on the ground
While trampolines multiply in the gardens, the traumatic accident recalls an essential fact: “Trampoline accidents carried away by the wind represent an often underestimated deadly danger. These leisure equipment can be transformed into fatal projectiles during strong winds, hence the crucial importance of respecting the safety instructions “ evokes Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical.
An unchorsome trampoline has a high risk of accidents. Especially when exposed to strong winds or intense use. Falls resulting from an unstable trampoline can cause serious injury, even bone fractures. And in an extreme case, death.
How to secure your trampoline?
To guarantee children’s safety when they use a trampoline, it is essential to follow some simple rules. These precautions make it possible to prevent accidents and prevent the equipment from being damaged by bad weather.
-
Mandatory fixing of structures
The first safety measure consists in securely fixing the trampoline on the ground using an anchor kit. This system, composed of metallic rods and straps, helps maintain the structure in place, even in the event of a strong wind. For an even more robust fixation, you can opt for a metal anchoring integrated into a concrete block: it offers maximum resistance, without textile strap, thanks to a direct metal hook. “On hard floors, ballast bags can also be used effectively“.
-
Anticipate weather conditions
In the event of a weather alert or strong winds, disassemble your trampoline to prevent it from flying away or getting closed. In addition, the protective cushion must be dismantled and stored each year as winter approaches, to extend its lifespan.
-
Limit the risk of injury
Fractures, wounds, cranial trauma or even lesions in the spine: trampolines are not without danger. “It is advisable to wait until the child is at least three years old before allowing him to play it”Indicates our emergencyist. And even after this age, caution remains in order.
-
Respect age and weight limits
Each trampoline is designed for an age group and maximum weight. Failure to comply with these recommendations significantly increases the risk of accident.
-
Ensure constant monitoring
An adult must always be present to monitor children when they use trampoline. Supervision avoids dangerous behavior, such as jumps to several or uncontrolled acrobatic figures.
-
Regularly control the equipment
It is essential to frequently inspect the general condition of the trampoline, in particular the fixings, the springs and the safety net. Any worn or deteriorated part must be replaced without delay.