Trampoline Parks Don’t Stop People Jumping When Injured

One woman wants to warn others about trampoline parks

Cortney Moreno said “As hard as it is to relive the past 3 months, we want to make other parents aware of the danger associated with indoor trampoline parks.

“Dominic went on his birthday (March 17th) what was supposed to be an innocent night, turned into a nightmare. Dominic was doubled bounced by a much older/bigger teenager. The employee of the trampoline park told our son to stand up (as if he could walk off) knowing another kid was still jumping in his square. As he was trying to stand, that kid bounced next to him instantly making him collapse. He could no longer stand up after that.

“See-they do not make other kids stop jumping if someone is injured. The end result Dominic fell and broke his tibia, both growth plates and his knee muscle had completely flipped over. This all happened within 30 minutes of being there. Innocently jumping to celebrate his birthday.

“Come to find out, trampolines parks are a leading injury to children. We had no clue!

“While undergoing 3 different surgeries (one of which was over 12+hours). Dominic had to have his knee muscle flipped back into place-a clamp installed to hold it together, external fixators installed on the side of his leg to stretch his growth plates and a metal rod to hold it all together. They installed a pain catheter for 3 days as well. All the while, having a broken tibia. We had to stay in the hospital for 5 days because the pain was so unbearable.

“Our lives have been turned upside down since Dominic’s accident 3 months ago. Every day was a struggle for this sweet boy as he adjusted to life in a hospital bed in our living room. He was restricted to the bed, no movement. He became used to urinating in a cup for almost 2 months, sponge baths by his mother every other day, the most movement his could endure was when someone would hold his leg (not over 6 inches) so we could change his sheets. He had to finish 3rd grade in his hospital bed with his teacher coming after school everyday to tutor him. The countless nights of crying in pain and feeling helpless.

“The Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics study showed most trampoline-related fractures occurred in kids (92.7 percent occurred in people ages 16 and younger). We were shocked to see this statistic-especially because you find the indoor trampoline parks are advertised everywhere for “fun for kids”.

“Dominic is learning to walk again and is in physical therapy 4 days a week. He has a long road ahead-both mentally and physically to get back to where he was before the night of his birthday at the indoor trampoline park. He will return every 6 months for X-rays of his growth plates until he’s an adult. To ensure they are growing properly. The basic things we take for granted like walking normal, running, bending or riding a bike are things our 9-year-old dreams of doing one day.

“We share this with you today to spread awareness that these indoor trampoline parks are not safe. We hope by sharing Dominic’s story it will prevent a child and their family from experiencing the trauma and heartbreak associated with trampoline injuries in young children.”

Via: Cortney Moreno