WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), advanced a bill last week that will play an important role in how medical professionals respond to mass traumas.H.R. 880, the MISSION ZERO Act, establishes a grant program for military-civilian partnerships in trauma care that will allow the military and private citizens to benefit from each other’s expertise and experience.
The bill was initially introduced last Congress in wake of the Dallas Police shooting last July, the deadliest attack on American law enforcement since Sept. 11, 2001.
“One year ago today, the Dallas community and our nation as a whole were stunned to see such a gruesome attack on our law enforcement officials," said Chairman Burgess. “The victims of last year’s attack, as well as all American trauma patients, require the best possible care. It is imperative that medical professionals are equipped with the best techniques available in these time-sensitive situations, and H.R. 880 will ensure that we utilize our military medical personnel beyond the battlefield, giving patients greater hope for a full recovery."
The MISSION ZERO Act is one way to bridge the gap between military and civilian trauma care providers. Reflecting on last year’s events, a member of the emergency medical team at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas likened the scene at their facility following the shooting to his tour of duty with the Navy Reserves. The doctor told the Dallas Morning News, “It was surreal. I felt like I was in Afghanistan."
“It’s an unfortunate reality that we must ensure medical professionals are prepared for anything, including treatments once thought to be limited to the battlefield," added Chairman Burgess. “The MISSION ZERO Act is an urgent and necessary way to connect battle-tested trauma care with American patients, simultaneously ensuring that our military doctors stay at their prime and bolstering our national security."
