First aid tips for trampoline fun

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Indoor trampoline parks have popped up across the UK to feed kids’ love of bouncing. Some of us have also bought trampolines for our gardens.

While they provide hours of fun and a good dose of exercise, from time to time accidents may happen.

Staff at indoor trampoline parks are usually trained in first aid. But one study found that trampolining injuries were the biggest cause of exercise-related injuries in the home.*

So get clued up with our top first aid tips for some common bounce-related injuries.

Bumps to the head

What goes up must come down. When lots of children start jumping up and down, there’s always the possibility of bumping heads.

Spot the signs

The child has just banged their head. They may be in pain and have a headache. There may also be a lump on their head.

Know what to do

1)    Ask them to rest and apply something cold to the injury (you could use frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel).

2)    If they become drowsy or vomit, or their condition gets worse, call 999.

Is that a broken bone?

With all those limbs flying freely in the air, they could touch down very awkwardly. This could lead to a broken bone.

Spot the signs

The child is in pain and has bruising or swelling. Their limb may also look out of shape or be bent at an unusual angle.

Know what to do

1)    Support the injury with a cushion or clothing to keep it still.

2)    Go to A&E or call 999 if necessary.

3)    Continue supporting the injury until they get help.

Or a sprain or strain?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a sprain or strain and a broken bone. If you have any doubts, get medical advice.

Spot the signs

If it’s a sprain or strain, they will have pain, swelling and/or bruising around a joint or muscle. If the injury is at a joint, the child may have difficulty moving a limb.

Know what to do

1)    Get the child to rest.

2)    Apply an ice pack to the injury for up to ten minutes (you could use frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel).

3)    If there is no improvement, seek medical advice.

Nose bleed

If someone misjudges their jump and bumps into someone else, they may well end up with a nosebleed. Our noses are rather delicate, after all.

Spot the signs

This one’s easy – there is blood coming out of their nose!

Know what to do

1)    Get the child to pinch the soft part of their nose and lean forward. This will help the blood to clot and learning forward prevents the person from swallowing blood.

2)    Advise them to pinch the soft part of the nose for ten minutes.