Trampoline parks great exercise as long as you don't get hurt

A Dartmouth emergency room physician is urging caution when using trampolines, a warning that comes as March Break begins and parents look for activities to keep the kids occupied.

A new option this year is Get Air, a trampoline park in Burnside. 

Dr. John Carter said he usually only sees trampoline-related injuries in the spring, summer and fall but since Get Air opened, he's seeing an "out-of-season collection of injuries."

"We're seeing a variety of injuries, most commonly it would be ankle and wrist sprains. We've also seen broken bones — broken wrists and ankles, broken legs of varying severity — some that require casts, some that require surgery," Carter told CBC Radio's Information Morning.

Typically, patients tell him they're injured when either landing hard or in collisions with other jumpers. 

"When they go to the trampoline park, they're aware of the risks and are made to sign a waiver. When we say we've seen other injuries, people are at first a little bit surprised and say, 'Really?'" said Carter. 

Ryan Goodell, general manager for Get Air Nova Scotia, said in a statement to CBC News that "safety is our number one priority."

"We post strict rules throughout our park and have safety lifeguards on staff. We ask customers to know their limits and follow all rules."

'!!!WARNING!!!'

One of the very first links on Get Air's website is a waiver that outlines the risks of using a trampoline. The first line in the waiver is:

• "!!!WARNING!!! INHERENTLY RISKY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY — MAY RESULT IN DEATH OR PARALYSIS — JUMP AT OWN RISK"

After reading through the lengthy liability form you must also agree to watch the facility's safety video. 

Carter said he has "reservations" about letting his kids go to the park, though his spouse does not. 

"Full disclosure: my kids have been to the trampoline park. They love it. It's certainly a great deal of fun for them, it's great exercise. Just like any other sport or exercise there's some inherent risks," he said. 

"The only thing that I can do is suggest to them that they follow the rules, that they're careful, that they're aware of the other people that are around them." 

Carter said although he thinks trampolines are a risky activity, he admits it's good exercise. 

"Like anything, there is an inherent safety risk but if you follow certain safety rules, you can minimize that risk — but that's always a balance between minimizing that risk and maximizing the health benefits of the exercise," said Carter.