LESSON 4
REPORTING OF VERY SERIOUSLY ILL/SERIOUSLY
ILL/SPECIAL CATEGORY (VSI/SI/SPECAT) PATIENTS
4-1. INTRODUCTION
a. Purpose. Proper reporting and notification procedures on personnel who are very
seriously ill, seriously ill, disfigured, or disabled, and who are classified as terminal or
psychotic are of significant importance to the patient, his next of kin, the hospital
commander, and the Army. The humanitarian aspects of these notifications in a prompt
and sympathetic manner are obvious; the recording and reporting of manpower losses
help military commanders in planning their manpower resources to accomplish the military
mission.
b. Definitions.
(1) Very Seriously Ill (VSI). A patient is very seriously ill when his illness is of such
severity that life is imminently endangered.
(2) Seriously Ill (SI). A patient is seriously ill when his illness is of such severity
that there is cause for immediate concern, but there is no imminent danger to life.
(3) Special Category (SPECAT). A patient whose next of kin needs to be
provided information regarding the patient's condition, though he may not be classified as
VSI/SI.
NOTE: VSI/SI definitions are to be applied literally.
NOTE: SPECAT patients are sometimes VSI/SI.
4-2. RECORDING PROCEDURES
a. DA Form 2984 (VSI/SI/SPECAT Patient Report).
(1) When a medical officer determines that a patient is Very Seriously Ill,
Seriously Ill, or Special Category initiates a DA Form 2984 (see figure 4-1). If a patient
changes from one category to the other, or subsequently recovers, dies, or is transferred to
another MTF, he again initiates a DA Form 2984. The DA Form must be forwarded
immediately to the patient administrator, administrative officer of the day or other
designated officer.
MD0755
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