Aidmen were supposed to fill out an Emergency Medical Tag for each casualty. This provided the basic records of the patient’s identity and initial treatment.
During World War 2 every Medic, whether Enlisted Man, Noncommissioned Officer, or Officer, carried an EMT (Emergency Medical Tags) book in one of his canvas pouches. The Tag was attached to the casualty’s clothing, usually over the breast, or as near as possible to it for ease of reading by medical personnel. The Tag would be filled out by the frontline medic and contained data covering the patient’s identity, arm or service, full diagnosis, as well as treatment given, etc. This record helped medical personnel in the rear to know what had been done up front to help the wounded – meanwhile its contents were scrutinized in order to determine further treatment, if necessary. Carbon copies served to compile for the organization commander a daily list of casualties and prepare the necessary reports and keep medical records.