S.Amdt. 6149

SA 6149, submitted by Mr. Wyden, aims to add a new section to title 10, United States Code, regarding medical training for members of the armed forces. The purpose is to replace live animal-based training methods with human-based methods when training for the treatment of combat trauma injuries.

Key Changes and Requirements

• Deadlines for Implementation: The Secretary of Defense must develop, test, and validate human-based training methods by October 1, 2026. By October 1, 2028, the Secretary must use only human-based methods and may not use animals for this training.

• Human-Based Methods: These are defined as systems and devices that do not use animals, such as:

  • Simulators
  • Partial task trainers
  • Moulage
  • Simulated combat environments
  • Human cadavers
  • Rotations in military and civilian trauma centers

• Combat Trauma Injuries: This refers to severe injuries likely to occur in combat, including airway compromises, hemorrhage, tension pneumothorax, amputation from blast injury, and other injuries.

Oversight and Exceptions

• Exemptions: The Secretary can exempt specific commands or training methods if human-based methods are not an educationally superior or equivalent substitute. These exemptions last no more than one year but can be renewed.

• Reporting: The Secretary must provide an annual report to congressional defense committees by October 1. Reports starting October 1, 2028, must include justifications for any active exemptions.