A patient, 21 year old ambulance driver, has been treated here at the university of Missouri from 10/27/14 for injuries from an auto accident, sustained when a vehicle pulled out in front of the ambulance she was driving. Her air bag deployed, protecting her appropriately. However, there is a metal disc beneath the airbag on the steering column, which was quite hot, and as she was trapped in the vehicle, she sustained burns to her chest and to her clothing. The burns were third degree burns requiring surgery, small area, but were significant burns. I am uncertain whether the hot disc at the base of the airbag is the result of a defect, or if it is part of the design. I am notifying you so you will be aware of this potential hazard, and to track the frequency of this type of injury. Although there was a death and another injury in this accident, they were not related in any way to the hot disc on the airbag mechanism. The ambulance is a 2003 Ford E-350. This was the driver's side airbag.

- Columbia, MO, USA