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Vacation Safety: Leap of faith?

By Megan Roth

Growing up, my family went on several mini-vacations each year. We'd go on weekend getaways to amusement parks, historic towns and even campgrounds.

Sometimes our trips would consist of an all-out, fun-in-the-sun type of excursion; other times it'd be a ten hour car ride to look at the world's largest ball of yarn (thrilling, I know).

My parents chose most of the trips because they were things they wanted to see or do; however, they always left the big trip to us. Okay, maybe we didn't get to do all the planning, but we always got to partake in one thrill-seeking activity, pending our parents' approval, of course.

When I was thirteen years old, I chose bungee jumping. Needless to say, Mom & Dad weren't quite as thrilled as I was. In fact, Mom initially said no – that it wasn't worth the risks. Ha! 'Pish Posh' I thought; 'this is my adventure…I'm doing it.'

So after weeks of pouting, small-scale temper tantrums and presentations of evidence concerning the safety of the sport, she finally caved and said yes, I could do it.

Several weeks later, I did. Aah – it was such a rush! I remember falling head first, terrified the rope would be too long and I'd go crashing into the body form sketched on the pavement beneath me (I know: it doesn't sound like a good feeling…but it's SO exhilarating)!

Yet, despite the rush of excitement, my bungee-jumpee activities were still cause for concern.

The number one eyebrow raiser for my parents was 'what happens if the bungee cord fails (or snaps)?'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02rDp4i30qU

Such occurrences don't always result in serious injury and/or death; however, there is a high likelihood that either or will occur.

And even if the cord doesn't snap, jumpers are still at high risk to sustain an injury. While most serious bungee jumping activities are impacted related, many others are occur during deceleration and upward movement. The momentum gained from freefalling is just enough to shock your system when the cord catches, suddenly pulling you backwards.

Injuries include contusions, cord burns to the body, peroneal nerve injuries (which often result in loss of movement in the foot and leg), intraocular hemorrhages and quadriplegia.

These (and other, less commonly reported injuries) can be categorized into three major affected areas of the body: head, trunk and lower extremities.

Regardless of the category under which it falls, any of the given injuries can be temporary or permanent. Bungee jumpers often display symptoms of whiplash and can have long-term neck and back problems; some experience short-term blurred vision while others experience prolonged headaches and/or vision loss.

And, of course, some don't experience negative side effects at all (fortunately, I was one of the lucky ones – my only worry was bladder control as I stood on the edge at the top...) And I give partial credit to my safe jump to the fact that the company I went through provided only one options for jumpers: that they wear the safety harness around their hips and waist rather than their ankles (which is intended to lessen the snap of the spinal cord when the cord catches). Some claim the thrill of the jump isn't as intense when the harness is around middle, but heck – if it means saving my back, I'll take it!

Of course, the hip harness doesn't guarantee a safe jump; as can be said (and seen), not everyone is quite so lucky. Which is alarming, isn't it? A simple, fun-filled vacation activity can turn into an eye-popping event (pun intended).

Jump only with professional companies, match the height and weight requirements as closely as you are able and follow instructions as closely as possible. In the event that something does happen, react accordingly and seek support (emotionally, medically and physically – odds are good you'll need it).

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Megan Roth

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on March 23, 2009 (boomark / email).