AF Form 3899G: Patient Movement Restraint Flowsheet (2026)

AF Form 3899G: Patient Movement Restraint Flowsheet (2026) – The AF Form 3899G, officially titled Patient Movement Restraint Observation Flowsheet, is a critical document in the U.S. Air Force Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) system. It ensures safe, compliant, and thoroughly documented care for patients requiring chemical or physical restraints during patient movement, particularly in the En Route Care (ERC) and AE environments.

Medical crews, Aeromedical Evacuation Crew Members (AECMs), and medical attendants use this form to record ongoing observations, interventions, and assessments. It pairs with AF Form 3899F (Patient Movement Physician Orders for Behavior Management and Restraints) to meet strict regulatory and safety standards.

What Is AF Form 3899G Used For?

AF Form 3899G documents observations of patients who need chemical (medication-based) and/or physical restraints while in the AE system. This includes:

  • Psychiatric or behavioral patients who may pose a risk to themselves, the crew, other patients, or the aircraft.
  • Patients in Category 1A or 1B classifications where restraints help maintain safety during flight.
  • Situations requiring continuous monitoring to prevent injury, ensure circulation and skin integrity, and verify that restraints remain appropriate and properly applied.

Key regulatory note: PRN (as-needed) restraint orders are not permitted in the AE/ERC system. All restraint use requires a specific physician order documented on AF Form 3899F. The 3899G then serves as the flowsheet for real-time documentation of compliance with that order.

The form supports patient safety, legal compliance, quality improvement, and continuity of care during ground staging, flight, and handoff between teams. It becomes part of the permanent medical record.

Who Completes AF Form 3899G?

Any qualified AECM or medical attendant can complete the form. It is typically used alongside other 3899-series forms, such as:

  • AF Form 3899 (Patient Movement Record)
  • AF Form 3899F (Physician Orders for Behavior Management and Restraints)
  • AF Form 3899C (Physical Assessment)
  • AF Form 3899N (Pain Adjunct Flow Sheet, when relevant)

Documentation occurs at defined intervals based on patient condition, flight phase, and command guidance. The form has a front and back to accommodate extended observations.

Key Sections and How to Use the Form

While the official fillable PDF provides the exact layout, typical elements on AF Form 3899G include:

  • Patient Identification: Name, rank/service, SSN or ID, date of birth, mission/flight details, and other identifiers to link it securely to the main patient movement record.
  • Restraint Type and Order Details: Reference to the authorizing physician order (from 3899F), type of restraint (physical limb, chemical sedation, or combination), application time, and rationale.
  • Observation Flowsheet: Timed entries (often every 15–30 minutes or per protocol) for:
    • Vital signs
    • Level of consciousness/sedation (e.g., MAAS or similar scales)
    • Circulation, sensation, and skin integrity distal to restraints
    • Behavior and agitation level
    • Respiratory status and airway patency
    • Any interventions, medication administration, or adjustments
    • Signs of complications (e.g., impaired circulation, skin breakdown, respiratory depression)
  • Signatures and Initials: Each entry requires legible initials or signatures from the documenting attendant. Final review or handoff signatures may also be required.
  • Notes Section: Free text for additional narrative, changes in condition, or rationale for continuing/discontinuing restraints.

Best practices for completion:

  • Document legibly and accurately in real time or as soon as safely possible.
  • Use Zulu (UTC) time for all entries to align with AE mission documentation.
  • Ensure every observation ties back to the physician order on 3899F.
  • Continue on the back of the form or additional sheets as needed, clearly labeling pages.
  • Protect Privacy Act information at all times.

Download the current official version here: AF Form 3899G PDF

Why Proper Use of AF Form 3899G Matters in Aeromedical Evacuation?

In the high-stress AE environment, restraints may be necessary to protect vulnerable patients and the mission. However, their use carries risks including circulatory compromise, skin injury, respiratory issues, and psychological distress. Systematic documentation on the 3899G helps:

  • Demonstrate adherence to standards of care and Department of the Air Force instructions (e.g., DAFI 48-107V3).
  • Support rapid identification and response to changes in patient status.
  • Provide defensible records in case of audits, incident reviews, or quality investigations.
  • Facilitate smooth handoffs between staging facilities, flight crews, and receiving facilities.

Restraint use in AE is tightly controlled. For 1A patients (highest acuity behavioral cases), chemical sedation and physical restraints on the litter are often standard, with a dedicated attendant. For 1B patients, restraints are typically kept immediately available rather than pre-applied. Always consult the validating flight surgeon and follow current DAFI guidance.

  • AF Form 3899F — Physician orders authorizing restraints.
  • DAFI 48-107V3 — En Route Care and Aeromedical Evacuation guidance (primary regulatory reference).
  • Other 3899 series forms for comprehensive patient movement documentation.
  • TRAC2ES / PMRC systems for patient movement requests and coordination.

Tip for AE personnel: Maintain proficiency with the full 3899 series and related AEIs. Training often emphasizes neurological/circulatory checks, proper restraint application, and documentation frequency.

Need the Form or More Guidance?

  • Official Download: Access the latest fillable AF Form 3899G directly from Air Force e-Publishing.
  • Consult your local Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Medical Treatment Facility, or validating flight surgeon for mission-specific protocols.
  • Always cross-reference with the most current Department of the Air Force Instructions (DAFIs) and Air Force Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (AFTTPs), as guidance evolves.

Proper completion of AF Form 3899G contributes directly to mission success and patient safety in the demanding aeromedical evacuation environment. Accurate, timely restraint observation documentation protects both the patient and the crew while ensuring regulatory compliance.

This article is for informational purposes and references publicly available U.S. Air Force publications. For official training or policy interpretation, refer to current DAF publications and your chain of command.