AIRBAGS AND PACEMAKERS

A number of people have been killed by their airbag whilst driving. However the overwhelming majority of airbag deaths occur in drivers who are not wearing their seatbelt. A lot of cars these days have an on off switch to stop the airbag deploying.
Statistics show that airbags save infinitely more people than they kill. What about pacemaker patients?
The recommendations are -
1. Always wear your seatbelt. (This is because it helps you keep a safe distance away from the airbag when it deploys)
2. Keep your posture such that you are reclined back as far as is reasonably acceptable for you to sustain a safe driving position.
3. Do not position the seat too far forward so that you are hogging the steering wheel.
4. Do not swich your airbag into non deployment mode it is far better to have it fully operational if you have a pacemaker.

I cannot help wondering if those drivers in countries that drive on the right as for instance in America are at a disadvantage as the seatbelt must cover the normal pacemaker implantation site below the left shoulder. Anyone got any comments on this?
Also has anyone with a pacemaker had their airbag deploy and how did you find that experience?
Cheers Peter

4 Comments

Thanks....

by Bionic Beat - 2008-06-28 01:06:59

Thankyou for posting this, Peter.

I had concerns about the airbag, as I'm pacemaker dependent.

When I questioned my EP guy, he said that it's safer to leave the airbag "on", I was about to have a switch installed.

He feels that if you hit the steering wheel, there's much more chance of dislodging the pacemaker or having a "crushing chest injury".

He stated that the airbag will bruise you and you need to get everything checked out immediately but that you'll probably be okay.

Must admit, I have a note from my GP, saying that I cannot wear the seatbelt....it hurts a lot, goes right over my incision & pacemaker.

I *do* use the seatbelt, but with the shoulder harness tucked under my arm.

These are the sort of issues that concern me more than having a pacemaker!

Thanks again.

I feel fabulous!

Bionic Beat


On Coumadin too

by chiliman - 2008-06-28 02:06:29

I was rear-ended at about 45mph a few years ago. Fortunately, I was wearing my seatbelt. My airbag did not deploy and was not disabled. I was very lucky because I was not seriously injured and I was (and still am) taking Coumadin.

When I told the EMT's that I was a heart patient and was taking Coumadin (anti-clotting med), they said that if the airbag had deployed, I could have bled to death and that they've seen this happen before.

I just had my pacemaker changed to a biventricular CR/ICD last week, and asked for a letter from my EP, who made the case that the odds are still better with my seatbelt on, though I have to "pillow" the area above my incision. I still have my airbag enabled as well.

Here's to good driving...



so do I!

by Lexi3 - 2008-06-28 12:06:50

I cheat too, I always put the shoulder strap underneath my arm.
Thank you for addressing the "pacemaker--airbag" issue, I just bought a new car and this one has airbags (yes my other car was ancient) :) and I am terrified that they might deploy and knock my pacer out of place.
I have seriously considered turning them off, I have heard that they are helpful but also can be dangerous too. I guess I will keep them on and try to get over it!
Lexi

Pacemaker damage due to seatbelt or airbag

by rcpage - 2017-05-09 08:07:40

If driving on the left and you are the passenger the danger is from the seatbelt which crosses your pacemaker. If you are totally dependent on your pacemaker then any damage that causes failure could be deadly.

At the end of the day you are in the lap of the Gods as to whether your pacemaker is damaged or not. But not having your seatbelt on or not having an active airbag is undoubtedly a worse scenario as your pacemaker may not be damaged but you are more than likely to be. 

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