Air Force would oversee flights for patients with especially dangerous infectious diseases

The Air Force would run the Defense Department’s program for safe, long-distance medical flights. The program would serve people known or suspected to have especially dangerous infectious diseases. Support for other federal agencies, state and local governments, and civilian or academic partners would depend on the defense secretary’s judgment. The program would have to begin no later than October 1, 2027.

The Air Force would prepare training courses and identify qualified instructors to train and certify Defense Department medical staff. Care and safety rules would cover patients and transport staff. Equipment standards would cover protective gear, systems that isolate infected patients, and related medical equipment, including upkeep. The Air Force would update patient care, infection prevention, and safety rules from time to time.

The Air Force would coordinate care plans and support research and testing, while the defense secretary would maintain response policies across the military. Plans would cover moving and treating patients, including in places with limited resources. The Air Force would also identify gaps in the military’s ability to respond. Planning would involve the Joint Staff, other military branches, and the Defense Health Agency.