Doctors warn against trampoline dangers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- According to emergency rooms nationwide, tens of thousands of injuries are reported every year from trampolines.

Today, in their strongest warning yet, some doctors are telling parents to simply get rid of them.

"They're unsafe," said Asst. Prof. of Pediatric Sports Medicine Dr. Susannah Briskin. "We see a high rate of fractures occurring as a result of using the trampoline recreationally."

In 2009, there were 98,000 trampoline injuries reported. Most of the problems occur when there are a bunch of jumpers at once, and it's usually the youngest kids, children 5 and under, who end up getting hurt.

Many of the injuries happen on the mat. The AAP says the netting and pads provide little protection and do not significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.

Besides fractures, doctors also worry about head and neck injuries from somersaults and flips.

"Those are the ones which put people at risk for catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis," added Briskin.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says its precautions also apply to all commercial trampoline parks.

If you do have a trampoline, you should check that your homeowner's insurance policy covers trampoline injury-related claims.