AF Form 3899: Patient Movement Record Guide & Download

AF Form 3899: Patient Movement Record Guide & Download – The AF Form 3899, officially titled Patient Movement Record, is a critical U.S. Air Force medical document used in the aeromedical evacuation (AE) system. It serves as the primary authorizing and documentation tool for safely moving patients—active duty service members, dependents, retirees, and other eligible beneficiaries—via air transport between medical treatment facilities (MTFs) or to higher levels of care.

This form is not the same as the Patient Movement Request (PMR) generated by the TRAC2ES system. The AF Form 3899 is a permanent medical record protected by the Privacy Act of 1974, while the PMR is an operational summary derived from it.

Why AF Form 3899 Matters in Patient Movement?

The U.S. Air Force Aeromedical Evacuation system, managed under USTRANSCOM and Air Mobility Command, moves thousands of patients annually. The AF Form 3899 ensures:

  • Patient validation for flight by the Validating Flight Surgeon (VFS) and Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center (TPMRC).
  • Continuity of care during ground, in-flight, and staging phases.
  • Legal and clinical documentation that travels with the patient and becomes part of their permanent health record.
  • Compliance with DAFI 48-107V3 (En Route Care Documentation) and related instructions.

Incomplete or unsigned forms can delay urgent, priority, or routine patient movements. All spaces marked as required (often indicated with “(S)”) must be filled out accurately.

Download the official AF Form 3899 here:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af3899/af3899.pdf

The current version is dated 20060819, V1 (August 19, 2006). While electronic health records (EHR) are the primary method when available, the paper AF Form 3899-series remains essential for AE operations when EHR is unavailable or as a supplement.

Key Sections of AF Form 3899

The form is structured to capture essential identification, clinical, and movement information:

Section I – Patient Identification (Required fields typically marked “(S)”):

  • Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)
  • SSN
  • Date of Birth
  • Other identifiers as needed

Pertinent Clinical History / Transfer Summary:

  • Diagnosis, history, current condition, and stability for flight.
  • Allergies, medications, diet information (e.g., Regular, NPO, Full Liquid, Cardiac).
  • Special needs (vision impaired, voiding difficulty, long-term meds, etc.).

Physician Orders and Clearance:

  • Attending provider’s orders for movement, equipment, and in-flight care.
  • Signature of the attending physician.
  • Signature of the Clearing/Validating Flight Surgeon confirming the patient is stable and cleared for flight (with date/time). A common statement reads: “Per AFI 48-307V3, the attending provider will sign the AF Form 3899; consultation with the TPMRC/VFS has been completed—the patient is stable and cleared for flight.”

Additional Areas:

  • Movement precedence (Urgent, Priority, Routine).
  • Route and special instructions.
  • En route care notes, vital signs, and handoff information.

The form emphasizes that all spaces must be completed to avoid delays in the AE system.

How to Complete and Use AF Form 3899?

  1. Originating MTF Responsibility: The referring medical treatment facility’s privileged provider (physician) initiates and signs the form, providing transfer orders and clinical summary.
  2. Submission: Submit via TRAC2ES along with the patient movement request. The TPMRC and Validating Flight Surgeon review for flight clearance.
  3. During Movement: Aeromedical Evacuation Crew Members (AECMs), Critical Care Air Transport Teams (CCATT), or staging facility staff use and update the form (or associated 3899-series supplements) to document care.
  4. Documentation Standards: Record assessments, medications, vital signs, and any changes. For critical care, supplemental forms like AF Form 3899L (Enroute Critical Care) may be used.
  5. Permanent Record: Scan/upload the completed form into the patient’s EHR or physical medical record. It must accompany the patient and be handled per Privacy Act and HIPAA rules.

Note: EHR is preferred, but the AF 3899-series is the fallback for AE. Related forms include 3899A (Progress Note), 3899B (Physician Orders), 3899L (Enroute Critical Care), and others tailored to specific needs (e.g., pain management, restraints).

Common Challenges and Best Practices

  • Delays from Incomplete Forms: Missing signatures, clinical details, or special equipment requirements can postpone movement. Double-check all required fields.
  • Distinction from PMR: The TRAC2ES-generated PMR is operational only; the signed AF Form 3899 is the medical record document.
  • Critical Care Patients: Higher-acuity patients often require supplemental 3899-series forms and more detailed en route documentation.
  • Training: AE personnel and MTF staff should reference DAFI 48-107V3 and related AFTTPs for proper use.

Studies on related forms (e.g., 3899L) show high completion rates for demographic fields but lower use for some procedural or event checkboxes, highlighting the need for focused, relevant documentation.

Who Uses AF Form 3899?

  • Referring Providers at Air Force, joint, or supporting MTFs.
  • Flight Surgeons and TPMRC staff for validation.
  • Aeromedical Evacuation Teams (AECMs and CCATT).
  • Staging Facilities and receiving MTFs.
  • Patient Administration personnel coordinating movement.

It supports both peacetime and contingency operations, including combat casualty evacuation.

  • DAFI 48-107V3: En Route Care Documentation (primary policy).
  • USTRANSCOM Patient Movement Guides: Requirements for AE.
  • Air Force e-Publishing: Official source for all 3899-series forms.
  • TRAC2ES: System for submitting patient movement requests.

For the most current guidance, consult your local Medical Treatment Facility, Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, or the official Air Force e-Publishing website.

Download AF Form 3899:
Official PDF

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official U.S. Air Force publications and guidance as of 2026. Always verify the latest forms and instructions through official .mil channels, as procedures may be updated. For medical or operational questions, contact your chain of command or supporting Patient Movement Requirements Center.

Keywords: AF Form 3899, Patient Movement Record, Air Force aeromedical evacuation, AE Form 3899, AFI 48-107, TRAC2ES PMR, military patient transport, flight surgeon clearance, Critical Care Air Transport.