Ep 15. Avalanche Airbags

The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation is a TV show that celebrates modern technology and highlights some of the most innovative creations of our time. In episode 15 of season 6, titled Avalanche Airbags, viewers are introduced to a new kind of technology designed to protect snow sports enthusiasts in the event of an avalanche.

The episode opens with a brief history of avalanches and the dangers they pose to skiers and snowboarders. But with the rise of technology, scientists and inventors have found new ways to help prevent tragedies from happening on the mountain. This is where avalanche airbags come in.

Avalanche airbags are essentially backpacks that skiers and snowboarders wear that are designed to keep them afloat on top of an avalanche. By inflating a large airbag, the person is carried to the surface of the snow rather than being buried underneath it. The episode takes viewers behind the scenes with Black Diamond, a company that specializes in making high-quality avalanche airbags.

The host of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation, Mo Rocca, talks with the founder of Black Diamond, Peter Metcalf, who explains the science behind avalanche airbags. He also shares some eye-opening statistics about avalanches and how airbags can greatly increase a person's chances of survival in the event of an avalanche.

The episode then moves on to several experts who test out the airbag technology on the mountain. The testing process involves setting off controlled avalanches and seeing how the airbags hold up. The results are impressive, as the airbags keep the test subjects afloat and on top of the snow, even as it moves at breakneck speeds down the mountain.

Along the way, viewers also get a glimpse into the manufacturing process behind the airbags. The team at Black Diamond explains how they make the backpacks, what materials they use, and how they test them for both durability and functionality.

Throughout the episode, Mo Rocca asks thoughtful questions that help break down the science behind the airbags and how they work. He also converses with skiers and snowboarders who have experienced avalanches firsthand and know the value of having an airbag in a moment of crisis.

In addition to showcasing the technology behind avalanche airbags, the episode also touches on the importance of knowing how to use one properly. Rocca talks with safety experts who share tips on how to properly pack an airbag, where to wear it on your body, and how to use it in case of an emergency.

Overall, Avalanche Airbags is an informative and fascinating episode of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation. Viewers will come away with a better understanding of the science behind avalanche airbags, how they are made and tested, and the importance of knowing how to use them properly. Moreover, it highlights the importance of technology in making our lives safer and more enjoyable.