Air bags: an update

Overwhelming evidence shows that air bags save lives and reduce morbidity associated with MVCs. The resulting benefits far outweigh the risks of air bag injury or death. Emergency nurses play a pivotal role in educating the public about active seat belt use in conjunction with passive restraint systems such as air bags. Air bags cannot be viewed as a single solution or panacea to occupant protection. Air bags are designed as supplemental devices to be used with seat belts and require the active participation of the user for maximum benefit and safety.