AF Form 3895: Inflight Cardiac Arrest Worksheet

AF Form 3895: Inflight Cardiac Arrest Worksheet – AF Form 3895, officially titled the Inflight Cardiac/Respiratory Arrest Worksheet, is a specialized U.S. Air Force medical documentation form. It is used by Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) crews, flight nurses, physicians, and other medical personnel to record critical incidents of cardiac or respiratory arrest occurring during flight.

Released on March 1, 1995, and still in use as part of Air Force aeromedical protocols, this form ensures thorough, standardized documentation of life-threatening in-flight emergencies. It supports high-quality patient care, legal and regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and after-action reviews in the unique environment of military air transport.

Why AF Form 3895 Matters in Aeromedical Evacuation?

The U.S. Air Force Aeromedical Evacuation system moves thousands of patients annually, often those with critical conditions. In-flight cardiac or respiratory arrests are rare but high-stakes events. Proper documentation via AF Form 3895 helps:

  • Track timeline, interventions, medications, and outcomes.
  • Support handoff to ground medical teams.
  • Contribute to AE system-wide training and protocol improvements.
  • Meet documentation standards when electronic health records (EHR) are unavailable.

It complements other key AE forms like the AF Form 3899 series (Aeromedical Evacuation Patient Record).

Key Sections of the Inflight Cardiac/Respiratory Arrest Worksheet

While the exact layout is best viewed in the official PDF, the form typically captures:

  • Date, time, and flight details of the incident.
  • Patient information and type of arrest (cardiac vs. respiratory).
  • Initial assessment and vital signs.
  • Interventions performed: CPR, defibrillation (AED use), airway management, medications administered (e.g., epinephrine).
  • Response timeline and team members involved.
  • Outcome and signatures from the Flight Nurse/Recorder and Physician.

Accurate, timely completion is essential. Medical personnel should fill it out immediately following stabilization or as conditions allow during flight.

Who Uses AF Form 3895?

  • Aeromedical Evacuation Crew Members (AECMs) and Flight Nurses.
  • Physicians providing medical direction.
  • Critical Care Air Transport Teams (CCATT).
  • Other qualified medical attendants on AE missions.

It is referenced in instructions such as AFI 11-2AEV3 and related supplements for aeromedical operations.

In-Flight Cardiac Arrest Context in Aviation Medicine

In-flight medical emergencies occur in roughly 1 in 14,000 to 50,000 passengers on commercial flights, with cardiac arrest accounting for about 0.3% of cases but a significant portion of in-flight deaths. Survival rates remain challenging (around 18% in some studies) due to the austere environment, cabin pressure/oxygen changes, and delayed ground access.

U.S. Air Force AE operations follow rigorous protocols, often exceeding commercial standards with dedicated medical teams trained in BLS, ACLS, and en route critical care. The AF Form 3895 supports these efforts by creating a detailed record tailored to the flight environment.

General best practices for in-flight arrest response (aligned with broader aviation medicine guidelines):

  • Early recognition and high-quality CPR.
  • Prompt AED use when available.
  • Coordination with the aircraft commander for potential diversion.
  • Medication administration per ACLS protocols.
  • Crew resource management and safety (e.g., restraints during critical phases of flight).

How to Access and Use AF Form 3895?

  1. Download the official fillable PDF from the Air Force e-Publishing site (link above).
  2. Use during AE missions as required by applicable instructions.
  3. Ensure signatures and complete entries for validity.
  4. Integrate with patient movement records and upload to the permanent medical record when possible.

Note: Always consult current Air Force Instructions (e.g., DAFI 48-107 series or AFMAN 10-2909) and your chain of command or validating flight surgeon for the most up-to-date guidance. Forms and policies can be updated.

  • Air Force e-Publishing (e-publishing.af.mil) for official forms and publications.
  • Aeromedical Evacuation training through USAFSAM (U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine).
  • DAFI 48-107V1 and related volumes on en route care.

Keywords: AF Form 3895, Inflight Cardiac Arrest Worksheet, Air Force aeromedical evacuation forms, flight nurse documentation, in-flight respiratory arrest, AE Form 3895.

This form remains a critical tool for documenting and improving care in one of the world’s most advanced aeromedical systems. For official use, refer directly to Air Force publications and the linked PDF. Always prioritize patient care and follow current protocols.