Air bags
We are all familiar with air bags in cars and how they inflate on impact. It came as news to me that competitive skiers wear inflatable devices beneath their competitors’ bibs. They are also used by cyclists, equestrians, and motor cyclists. They protect head, spine, chest, and hips.
Bearing in mind that the Six Nations Rugby Union Championship is currently taking place – and happily, considering that Italy is hosting the Winter Olympics, Italy beat a dismal Scotland on Saturday – we fell to wondering how rugby players would fare in a normal rugby match, wearing protection on head, neck, spine, legs, arms. We concluded that by the end of a match, most, if not all of the players would be waddling around like Michelin men.
It is possible for ordinary citizens to buy a ‘Wearable Anti-fall Airbag Vest,’ or a hip guard, or a ‘Fall Protection Airbag Vest,’ (for the autumn of your life?) . . . I was amazed to discover just how many variations there are. The question is, once deployed, does the air bag have to be disposed of and replaced?
I looked it up and the answer is that they are reusable, provided they have not been damaged. The C02 or Argon cartridge is easily replaced and the whole system can be reset in minutes.
How long will it be before ‘seniors’ are urged to equip themselves with ‘personal safety apparel’ to accompany their call alarms, grab bars, ‘walk in baths’ and stair lifts?
I could install airbags on my body in case of a fall??? Sign me up!
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine getting dressed every day?
DeleteThat airbag idea is great, news to me, but sounds like it should be standard issue.
ReplyDeleteExtra layers mean extra warmth - good idea in the winter, maybe.
DeleteIt would be a bit like American football with padding.
ReplyDeleteHusband could do with an airbag as he's prone to wobbling.
Try walking poles first against the wobbling.
DeleteI'm not in need of air cushions yet, handy yo know they exist.
ReplyDeleteAn all-body covering and crash helmet and you're protected against all falls . . .
DeleteWho knew that there were so many other inflatable protection devices!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing, isn't it?
DeleteHow interesting! I had no idea there were personal airbags.
ReplyDeleteNor had I. I wonder how many people have them?
ReplyDeleteAt the moment I seem to have enough of my own 'padding' without the need to add another layer. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL!
ReplyDeleteI think I'd need the full costume, like in that poster - covering my legs and knees as well... ;)
ReplyDeleteOnce started on these things, where would we stop?
DeleteWe should just be airlifted with jetpacks wherever we want to go.
ReplyDeleteGood idea!
DeleteNow that is very interesting. Who knew?
ReplyDeleteThere's a whole world of protection out there.
DeleteWe'll be in those inflatable balls like humans in a protective hamster wheel.
ReplyDeleteEach of us in our own isolated bubble.
DeleteThat's an interesting idea. I've never thought of it, but why not?!
ReplyDeleteAvailable on Amazon!
DeleteI am so fat that anything dangerous would bounce right off. No worries.
ReplyDeleteWe all feel we're well-padded, but are we really?
DeleteThat's interesting. I used to work in a nursing home. A lot of people were there because they had fallen at home and suffered injuries.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I've observed that mental decline often follows a fall, or perhaps it was already there and that's why there was a fall.
DeleteHaving known two seniors who died from injuries suffered in falls (one down stairs, one in the bathtub), I have to wonder why I've never heard of these air bag devices.
ReplyDeleteThey are available, at a cost. Perhaps when they're cheaper they may be used more.
DeleteI've seen these for child equestrians. Doesn't do much to protect arms/wrists but for ribs, spine and so on seems like a good idea.
ReplyDeletececi
Protecting the most vulnerable parts is sensible.
DeleteI had no idea there were personal air bag devices ... sounds a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI've always liked the Michelin Man image, it's very cheery and smiley as he waves to you.
All the best Jan
I don't know if the Michelin Man did much for sales, but I agree that he is very cheerful.
DeleteI had no idea. That's actually a pretty good idea.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why they have not caught on yet?
DeleteThese airbags sound like a god send for seniors. I have balance problems and know that some day I will take a nasty fall.
ReplyDeleteBeing aware of potential falls is essential.
DeleteI'm trying to think of positives, and one might be that you could put on weight and no one would notice.
ReplyDeleteThat's a thought!
DeleteI have my own version of air bags=big boobs and I am sure they are what cushioned my recent fall enough that I didn't smash my face too heavily and break all my teeth. Although I was almost too scared to leave the house for a few days after.
ReplyDeleteOoh, nasty. You did mess yourself up.
DeleteSods law, or is it Murphy's law would be sure to kick in for me. The one time I didn't wear it would be the time I fell.
ReplyDeleteNaaah, far too much trouble
Dressing in even more layers would soon become tiresome.
DeleteOMGoodness - they might be fun for rolling downhill - or falling out of boats
ReplyDeleteI always fancied rolling downhill in one of those transparent balls - not now, though.
DeleteThankfully, I am not at all prone to falls. Maybe I will develop problems with my balance when I get older, but I am determined to take a special training should that be the case; I've watched a program about it and it really seems to make a big difference for some of the elderly people who did that. My Mum doesn't suffer dizzy spells or anything like it, either, but O.K.'s Mum is badly affected and often moves about in her house holding on to furniture.
ReplyDeleteMaintaining strength and balance is essential. Health problems, like high blood pressure, wreak havoc with everyday living for some.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that.. interesting.
ReplyDeleteI foresee a sharp rise in the purchase of individual, personal air bags. 😂🤣
DeleteOut on our walk yesterday Husband tripped up some steps not once but twice. I have told him about the human air bag.
ReplyDeleteWalking poles are a good idea, too.
DeleteGreat idea but I couldn't deal with the extra faff of putting it on in the morning. Maybe if my balance becomes a problem I'll think again. I checked out Amazon just in case and my eyes are still watering.
ReplyDeleteI know - they're not cheap, are they?
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