Seatbelt Airbags
Several years back Ford introduced their “Inflatable Belt” airbag system in the Ford Explorer. Ford slowly rolled the Seat-belt airbags out to more vehicles. Around the same time, Lexus added a Seat-belt airbag to the Lexus LFA and shortly after that Mercedes-Benz introduced the Beltbag on their 2015 model of the S-class sedan. The Beltbag is also in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Deployment
The seat belt airbag will not deploy if the seat belt is not fastened.
Lexus LFA
Unlike the other Seat-belt airbag systems, the Lexus LFA has Seat-belt airbags on the front seats in the Lexus LFA.
SRS Seat Belt Airbag being fitted to the Lexus LFA
Mercedes-Benz Beltbag
The Beltbag inflator in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is pictured below. Make a note of the outboard location of the inflator which is very close to the rocker panel.
Mercedes-Benz Beltbag Inflator
Mercedes-Benz Beltbag Buckle/Tongue
Ford Inflatable Seat-belt
In the image below, the Ford Inflatable Seat-belt inflators are located more inboard toward the center of the vehicle. In addition to the Ford Explorer,the technology is now also available on Ford Fusion, Ford Flex and Ford Taurus, and Lincoln MKT and Lincoln MKZ.
Unlike the Mercedes-Benz Beltbag, Ford vehicles have a special belt latch. The seatbelt latch is the conduit through which gas enters the airbag. The unique seatbelt latch is easily identified by the seatbelt latch tongue shown in the photo on the left.
In Sum
Airbag inflators are limited to only airbags. Seat-belt airbags are slowly making it into more vehicles. Always peel away plastic trim panels to ensure an airbag inflator is not in the area you are cutting, spreading, or pushing against.
Heavy Stabilization & Lift Class
This weekend, Toranze Lee and Premier Extrication held their Heavy Stabilization and Lifting class taught. The class focused on advanced techniques using the Paratech equipment, eDraulic tools, grip hoists, vehicle stabilization methods, airbags for lifting, power tools, and the use of heavy wreckers for extrication.
Some of the departments that attended:
The North Carolina Extrication School at Sandhills Fire Training Center was hosted by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal. Firefighters had the opportunity to learn cutting-edge tactics in the world of vehicle extrication from some of the top instructors in the county.
Training
Car into an apartment building
In Mississauga, Canada, a vehicle crashed into a large residential building and the damage could have impacted up to 4 stories. Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services stated the vehicle hit the window on the building’s second floor. The driver was extricated and transported to the hospital.
Car into an apartment building
In Mississauga, Canada, a vehicle crashed into a large residential building and the damage could have impacted up to 4 stories. Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services stated the vehicle hit the window on the building’s second floor. The driver was extricated and transported to the hospital.
