AF Form 3899C: Patient Movement Physical Assessment Guide

AF Form 3899C: Patient Movement Physical Assessment Guide – AF Form 3899C, officially titled Patient Movement Physical Assessment, is a critical document in the U.S. Air Force’s aeromedical evacuation (AE) system. It enables rapid, standardized documentation of a patient’s physical condition during preparation for patient movement, particularly in the en route care environment.

Medical providers, nurses, and clinicians use this form primarily for patients who are not under the care of an advanced specialty team (such as Critical Care Air Transport Team – CCATT). It supports safe, efficient transport of stable ambulatory (SAM) or other patients via the Air Force aeromedical evacuation system.

What Is AF Form 3899C Used For?

The form is designed for quick checkbox-style documentation of physical assessment findings. According to Department of the Air Force Instruction (DAFI) 48-107 Volume 3, the AF Form 3899C streamlines recording of key physical status indicators for patients moving through the AE system.

It is part of the broader AF Form 3899 series, which includes:

  • AF Form 3899 – Patient Movement Record (core authorizing document)
  • AF Form 3899A – Progress Notes
  • AF Form 3899B – Physician Orders
  • AF Form 3899D – Hemodynamic/Respiratory Flowsheet
  • And others for specialized needs (pain, restraints, intake/output, etc.)

The 3899C specifically focuses on a head-to-toe or systems-based physical assessment to confirm patient stability for flight and to provide receiving teams with a clear snapshot of the patient’s condition at the time of movement.

Key purposes include:

  • Documenting baseline physical findings before, during, or after patient movement.
  • Supporting flight surgeon validation and Patient Movement Requirements Center (PMRC) decisions.
  • Ensuring continuity of care in the en route environment (staging facilities, aircraft, etc.).
  • Serving as part of the permanent medical record (protected under the Privacy Act of 1974).

This form is especially useful in contingency operations, disaster response, or routine beneficiary movements where full electronic health record (EHR) documentation may be supplemented or unavailable.

Who Uses AF Form 3899C?

  • Privileged providers (physicians, flight surgeons)
  • Licensed clinicians (nurses, physician assistants)
  • Non-licensed clinicians under appropriate supervision
  • Aeromedical Evacuation Crew Members (AECMs)
  • Personnel at Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs), En Route Patient Staging facilities, and AE Squadrons

For Stable Ambulatory Medical (SAM) patients, the form allows efficient checkbox documentation by qualified team members.

How to Complete AF Form 3899C?

While the exact layout is best viewed in the official PDF, the form typically features structured sections for rapid assessment. Clinicians check appropriate boxes for normal/abnormal findings across major body systems or general appearance categories.

Common elements documented (based on standard AE physical assessment practices):

  • General appearance and level of consciousness
  • Vital signs context (often cross-referenced with flowsheets)
  • Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat (HEENT)
  • Respiratory status
  • Cardiovascular
  • Abdomen
  • Extremities (including neurovascular checks, skin integrity)
  • Skin/wounds
  • Mobility and functional status
  • Any special needs for transport (e.g., restraints, oxygen, positioning)

Best practices for completion:

  1. Perform and document the assessment as close as possible to movement time.
  2. Use clear, objective checkbox entries.
  3. Note any abnormalities with additional comments if space allows (or attach progress notes).
  4. Ensure the form integrates with the main AF Form 3899 Patient Movement Record.
  5. Sign and date entries per Air Force medical documentation standards.
  6. Protect patient privacy – the form contains Protected Health Information (PHI).

Incomplete or unclear documentation can delay patient movement, so accuracy and completeness are essential.

Regulatory Guidance and References

  • DAFI 48-107V3 – Provides specific guidance on the use of AF Form 3899C for rapid physical assessment documentation.
  • DAFI 48-107V1 – En Route Care and Aeromedical Evacuation Medical Operations (broader policy on patient movement records and EHR supplementation).
  • DoDI 6000.11 – Patient Movement policy (DoD-level guidance).
  • USTRANSCOM and Theater Patient Movement Requirements Centers (PMRCs) procedures.
  • Related forms and TRAC2ES (TRANSCOM Regulating and Command & Control Evacuation System) integration.

Always consult the most current versions of these instructions on the official Air Force e-Publishing site, as policies evolve.

Download the Official AF Form 3899C

Official blank PDF: Download AF Form 3899C here

This is the authoritative source from Air Force e-Publishing. Use only approved versions for official patient movement.

Note: Forms in the 3899 series become part of the patient’s permanent medical record. When EHR is available, it remains the primary source, but paper 3899-series forms are still used when needed and must be scanned or incorporated appropriately.

Why Proper Use of AF Form 3899C Matters?

In the high-stakes aeromedical evacuation environment, rapid and accurate physical assessment documentation directly impacts:

  • Patient safety during flight (accounting for stresses of altitude, vibration, limited space, and resources)
  • Coordination between referring facilities, AE crews, and receiving MTFs
  • Legal and quality assurance requirements
  • Overall efficiency of the global patient movement system managed by USTRANSCOM

Whether supporting routine CONUS movements or global contingency operations, the AF Form 3899C helps ensure patients are properly assessed and prepared for safe transport.

For USAF medical personnel: Incorporate training on the 3899 series into readiness programs, including Aeromedical Evacuation Patient Staging courses and en route care simulations.

Additional Resources

  • Air Force e-Publishing (search for DAFI 48-107 and AF Forms)
  • Your local Flight Surgeon or AE Liaison Team
  • Theater PMRC contact information for validation questions
  • TRAC2ES system training for integrated patient movement requests

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and summarizes publicly available guidance. Always refer to the latest official Department of the Air Force Instructions, your chain of command, and current policy for operational use. Medical documentation must comply with all applicable privacy, security, and clinical standards.

Last updated for accuracy based on current DAFI references as of 2026. Check e-publishing.af.mil for the most recent form revisions and instructions.