Sometimes you just don't have time to wait for bureaucracy, science, or helping hands to solve your problems. When that happens, your only option is to do things yourself, skills permitting of course. 

One such man was John Stapp, an Air Force doctor who felt that better seats could help with pilot survival in accidents. Knowing his idea could save lives immediately, he performed numerous tests on himself, including enduring a 46.2g impact on a decelerator sled. He also set a land speed record of 632 mph during his testing. His creations saved lives both in planes, and automobiles. 

Stapp definitely had the skills to solve his problem and took matters into his own hands to do it. Read about his valiant efforts, along with 21 other people who decided to do things themselves.