Arguably, the ultimate outcome of an effective quality effort is saving lives. Many of our roles influence this indirectly-somewhere way down the "food chain." Two articles this month, however, showcase how quality improvement efforts directly resulted in quantifiable preservation of human life. In "Carried Away," p. 32, the authors explain the process and approach the U.S. military takes in designing its medical evacuation helicopters that airlift injured soldiers from combat areas. By incorporating voice of the customer and using design for Six Sigma, the military has been able to design medevac vertical lift platforms that help meet the requirement that injured personnel receive the care they need within 60 minutes of a reported injury. These efforts have also led to the design of cabins that best allow medical personnel to treat critical injuries. Several other quality tools were used in capturing requirements and designing the most accommodating aircraft options possible to ensure injured soldiers receive the best, many times life-saving treatment.
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