AF Form 3500: PAD Event Summary & Mock Response Sheet (2026) – U.S. Air Force medical and emergency response teams rely on proper documentation to maintain readiness, especially for Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) programs and mock response exercises. AF Form 3500, officially titled PAD Event Summary/Mock Response Event Summary Sheet, serves as the standardized tool for capturing critical details from actual or simulated emergency events involving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and related responses.
This article explains the purpose of AF Form 3500, who uses it, how to complete it, and where to download the latest official version. It is designed for Air Force Public Health, Medical Group personnel, unit PAD coordinators, and responders across Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve.
What Is AF Form 3500?
AF Form 3500 is a Department of the Air Force form used to document PAD events (real-world responses using public access defibrillators) and mock response events (training drills or simulated exercises).
- PAD stands for Public Access Defibrillation, a program that places AEDs in accessible locations on installations and trains designated responders to use them during cardiac emergencies.
- The form creates a clear record for after-action review, quality improvement, and compliance with medical and emergency management standards.
It is prescribed in AFI 44-177, Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Program, which requires targeted responders to complete the form after any PAD usage or mock drill and forward it to the site coordinator or alternate no later than close of business the next duty day.
The form supports continuous improvement of unit emergency response plans by capturing what happened, how well the response performed, and lessons learned.
Why AF Form 3500 Matters for Air Force Readiness?
Accurate documentation through AF Form 3500 helps:
- Verify compliance with PAD program requirements.
- Identify strengths and gaps in training or equipment readiness.
- Support annual mock drill recommendations (at minimum one per year).
- Provide records for the PAD Medical Director (PMD) and Program Coordinator (PPC).
- Contribute to broader installation emergency management under DAFI 10-2501.
Units must retain completed forms for a minimum of 24 months per local supplements and AFI 33-322 (Records Management).
Failing to document events properly can affect program certification, inspection readiness (e.g., during Health Services Inspections or Unit Effectiveness Inspections), and overall force health protection.
Who Uses AF Form 3500?
Primary users include:
- Targeted Responders — Personnel trained in CPR/AED use who respond to an event or participate in a drill.
- PAD Site Coordinators — Responsible for collecting and forwarding the form.
- PAD Medical Director (PMD) and Program Coordinator (PPC) — Review forms for quality assurance and program oversight.
- Medical Group (MDG) Public Health and Emergency Management teams — Integrate data into installation readiness reporting.
All Air Force installations with PAD programs (most bases) use this form as part of their life-saving emergency response capability.
How to Complete AF Form 3500?
While the exact layout appears on the official PDF, typical sections on the PAD Event Summary/Mock Response Event Summary Sheet include:
- Event Type — Actual PAD response or Mock/Training Drill.
- Date, Time, and Location of the event.
- Responder Information — Name, rank, unit, and contact details of the person completing the form.
- Incident Description — What occurred (e.g., cardiac arrest, unconscious person, drill scenario).
- Response Details — Time from discovery to AED application, CPR initiation, arrival of EMS, etc.
- Equipment Performance — Did the AED function correctly? Any issues with pads, battery, or voice prompts?
- Outcome — Patient status (if real event), success of the drill, or issues encountered.
- Lessons Learned / Recommendations — What went well? What needs improvement?
- Signatures — Responder and reviewer (site coordinator or PMD).
Best Practices for Filling Out the Form:
- Complete it as soon as possible after the event — ideally the same day.
- Be factual, clear, and concise.
- Include measurable times (e.g., “AED applied 3 minutes after collapse”).
- Note any deviations from the unit PAD emergency response plan.
- Forward to the site coordinator no later than COB the next duty day.
For mock drills, the form helps evaluate team coordination, timing, and adherence to protocols.
Download the Official AF Form 3500
Always use the official current version from Air Force e-Publishing to ensure compliance.
Direct Download Link: AF Form 3500 PDF
You can also access it through the official Air Force e-Publishing site (www.e-publishing.af.mil) by searching for “AF Form 3500”.
Note: Forms are subject to periodic updates. Check the revision date on the PDF and confirm with your local PAD program manager or Medical Group that you are using the authorized version.
Related Air Force Guidance
- AFI 44-177 — Primary instruction governing the PAD Program, including requirements for drills and event reporting.
- DAFI 10-2501 — Emergency Management Program (integrates public health emergencies).
- AFI 33-322 — Records Management (retention of completed forms).
Local supplements (e.g., at JBSA, Lakenheath, or other installations) may provide additional procedures for routing and retention.
Tips for PAD Program Success
- Conduct at least annual mock drills and document them on AF Form 3500.
- Review completed forms during quarterly or annual PAD program assessments.
- Integrate findings into unit training plans to improve response times and confidence.
- Ensure AEDs are properly maintained, inspected, and registered in the PAD program.
Strong documentation practices directly support the Air Force’s goal of preserving life and mission capability through rapid, effective emergency response.
Need Help with AF Form 3500?
Contact your installation’s PAD Site Coordinator, Medical Director, or Public Health Emergency Officer (PHEO) for training on the form or program-specific guidance. Medical Group personnel can provide hands-on instruction during annual refresher training.
For the most current policies, always refer to official sources on e-Publishing.af.mil rather than unofficial templates.
Download AF Form 3500 here: Official PDF
This guide is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Air Force instructions and forms as of 2026. Policies can change; consult your chain of command and current publications for authoritative guidance.
Keywords: AF Form 3500, PAD Event Summary, Mock Response Event Summary Sheet, Air Force PAD Program, Public Access Defibrillation, AFI 44-177, Air Force AED response form, military emergency response documentation.