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In the last several years the Finite-Element Method has been successfully used in assessing and optimizing vehicle crash performance. Occupant modelling however, has remained the domain of gross motion simulators which make use of rigid body dynamics. New passive restraint systems like the airbag, have raised demands to mathematical modelling which cannot be satisfied with the existing models. The simulation of ‘out-of-position’ vehicle occupants is a prime example. A new approach to occupant simulation using the Finite Element Method is presented. The three-dimensional modelling of an airbag using the modified explicit dynamic FE-Code PAM-CRASH is the first step in this direction. An airbag inflation model has been added to the PAM-CRASH code. It incorporates tabular input of the mass flow, calculation of the airbag's thermodynamics and gas flow out of the bag via vents and leakages. The airbag fabric is modelled with a newly implemented membrane element.