Sequence of EventsSequence of Events

Sensors detect sufficient inertia causing ball orSensors detect sufficient inertia causing ball orswitch to complete ground circuitswitch to complete ground circuit

Igniter squib detonatesIgniter squib detonates Squib generates thermal reactionSquib generates thermal reaction Thermal reaction ignites SodiumThermal reaction ignites Sodium AzideAzide SodiumSodium AzideAzide releases large quantity of nitrogenreleases large quantity of nitrogen

gasgas Nitrogen gas inflates the bagNitrogen gas inflates the bag All occurs in 50 millisecondsAll occurs in 50 milliseconds

Disarming the systemDisarming the system

Disconnect ground cable of batteryDisconnect ground cable of batteryDisconnect the yellow squib connector atDisconnect the yellow squib connector at

the base of the steering wheelthe base of the steering wheelGM systems and others have a reserveGM systems and others have a reserve

chargecharge All systems should be assumed to be ableAll systems should be assumed to be able

to discharge for the next 5to discharge for the next 5--10 minutes10 minutesafter disarmingafter disarming

Kids & airKids & air--bagsbags

Kids don’t have the weight or heightKids don’t have the weight or height Car seats smash kids into seat backCar seats smash kids into seat back Child’s head gets full impact/hyperextensionChild’s head gets full impact/hyperextension Bag inflates at a speed of 200 mphBag inflates at a speed of 200 mph Most killed by airMost killed by air--bags are small womenbags are small women Kids should be in rear/centerKids should be in rear/center Consider airConsider air--bag when assessing kidsbag when assessing kids