Method and Device for Determining the Vital Functions of a Vehicle Occupant

A method for determining the vital functions of a vehicle occupant enables precise measurements and is easy to use without negatively affecting the vehicle occupant. The method includes determining the vital functions of the vehicle occupant using a sensor device integrated in a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle, and acquiring measurement signals of the vehicle occupant from which cardiogram signals are acquired. The method further includes using an evaluation unit to ascertain the vital functions of the vehicle occupant from the cardiogram signals. The sensor device is a magnetic field sensor device, and the cardiogram signals are magnetic cardiogram signals.