Airbag Injuries

Airbags save thousands of lives every year. They are one of the most important safety features in modern vehicles. However, airbags deploy with tremendous force and can cause injuries in certain situations. Dr. Deryk Harting of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical doctor care providers in Florida, discusses airbag injuries.

Airbags are designed to deploy in a fraction of a second during a major accident. Sensors throughout the vehicle detect sudden deceleration or impact. When the system detects a crash, it sends a signal to the airbag control unit. The control unit initiates a chemical reaction inside the airbag inflator. This reaction quickly produces nitrogen gas which fills the airbag almost instantly. Most airbags inflate in about 20 to 30 milliseconds.

Once inflated, the airbag creates a cushion between the occupant and interior surfaces like the steering wheel, dashboard, or door panels. The airbag then immediately begins to deflate through small vents. This allows the driver or passenger to move forward and decelerate safely.

Airbags are designed to work together with seat belts. Without a seat belt, the occupant may be too close to the airbag during deployment and increase the risk of injury. While airbags reduce the risk of severe trauma, they can still cause injuries due to their speed and force. Here are some common injuries caused by airbags:

• Facial Injuries: Facial injuries are among the most common airbag-related injuries. These can include bruising, lacerations, nasal fractures, or dental trauma. Diagnosing these types of injuries usually requires a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans. Treatment depends on the severity. Minor cuts may require stitches, while fractures may need surgical repair or stabilization.

• Eye Injuries: The force of an airbag can also injure the orbits or eyes. Particles released during deployment may irritate the eye. Blunt force trauma may cause corneal abrasions, retinal damage, or orbital fractures. Medical providers typically diagnose eye injuries using specialized eye exams, equipment, and imaging. Treatment may include medicated eye drops, protective patches, or surgical procedures in severe cases. Eye injuries often require immediate medical attention to prevent long-term vision problems or even blindness.

• Upper Extremity Injuries: Drivers frequently sustain injuries to the hands, wrists, or forearms. This occurs because the hands are usually on the steering wheel when the airbag deploys. These injuries are diagnosed with physical examination, X-rays, or MRI scans to evaluate fractures, lacerations, and ligament damage. Treatment can range from splints and physical therapy to surgery in more serious cases.

• Chest and Rib Injuries: Airbags can also cause blunt force trauma to the chest. This may result in bruising, sprains, fractures, or inflammation of the chest wall. Medical providers usually diagnose these injuries with physical exams and imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans. Treatment often includes pain management, physical therapy, and breathing exercises. Severe rib fractures and other complications such as a punctured lung (pneumothorax) require additional medical intervention.

• Burns and Skin Abrasions: Airbags release heat and small amounts of chemical byproducts. Both can cause friction burns or chemical irritation on the skin, especially on the arms, face, or chest. Treatment may include wound cleaning, topical medications, and protective dressings. In most cases these burns are superficial and heal within a few days to weeks with consistent wound care but can become significant if the wound becomes infected.

Airbags are crucial safety devices and significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries in car accidents. However, their rapid deployment can still cause certain types of trauma. Anyone involved in a car accident should seek medical attention, even if their injuries seem mild.

— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.

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