ADVANCED FIRST AID
WorkPartners built the structured pathway to resolve tougher MSK cases inside first aid without unnecessary clinic referral.
Advanced First Aid expands physician authority inside OSHA-defined first aid — before escalation reshapes your claims.
Confidential. No obligation.
THE MOMENT EVERYTHING CHANGES
— When an injured worker says this, actions change.
THE REAL PROBLEM
Most strains and sprains do not require escalation of care beyond first aid.
93%
of WorkPartners-managed sprains and strains remain as first aid
That means no more than 7% should require escalation.
However, 16% have escalated so far this year.
Why?
Because pain creates fear.
Fear creates anxiety.
Anxiety creates uncertainty.
Without structured, physician-backed first aid authority, minor injuries drift into recordables. Escalation is not purely clinical. It is the predictable outcome of uncertainty without medical authority.
THE ESCALATION PATH
Most reported injuries start as manageable events. But when pain creates doubt:
Is it worse than it looks?
Could something be broken?
Are we missing something?
If there is no way to resolve that uncertainty at the job site.
That is when uncertainty guides the next decision. Escalation.
MSK EXPOSURE
They are the core of the exposure.
of all triaged injuries are musculoskeletal (MSK)
of physician visits are driven by pain
Most MSK strains and sprains do not medically require escalation. Yet escalation still occurs.
Because pain creates uncertainty. And uncertainty triggers referral. When supervisors do not have physician authority at first aid, escalation feels safer than judgment.
Once the case leaves first aid, the cost profile changes.
THE ECONOMICS
Assume 100 reported injuries.
Current State
Through MD triage, ~80% remain in first aid. That leaves 20% escalating into clinic-driven claims.
Average escalated MSK claim cost
$18,000
20 claims x $18,000 = $360,000
That is the cost of uncertainty
WITH AFA
Through earlier physician oversight, diagnostic confidence, structured first aid protocols, and tighter documentation control.
Reduced average cost per claim
$9,000
20 claims x $9,000 = $180,000
Recoverable Impact
$180,000
per 100 reported injuries — through diagnostic confidence, preserved employer control, reduced HSE stress, and OSHA-compliant first aid.
THE DIAGNOSTIC GAP
Research shows 20–50% of radiologic exams are low value and do not meaningfully influence management.
At the same time, evidence-based imaging referral guidelines reduce unnecessary utilization and cost.
This exposes the core tension:
The answer is structure, physician-directed imaging inside first aid.
HOW IT WORKS
STEP 1
Employee reports discomfort
An employee reports a minor musculoskeletal issue to a supervisor or safety lead. Early reporting keeps minor issues from escalating.
STEP 2
Physician review
A WorkPartners physician evaluates the case. No scripts. No default escalation. A licensed provider determines the right level of care.
STEP 3
Advanced First Aid ordered
When appropriate, the physician orders on‑site imaging or soft tissue care as first aid. The goal is resolution, not referral.
STEP 4
Imaging or Myofascial Release
If needed, on‑demand imaging or guided recovery services are scheduled. Care remains focused on function and safe return to work.
Employer Updates: You receive completion details and work status updates. You maintain visibility while keeping the case non‑recordable when managed as first aid.
First Aid Clarification: Participation in this program does not automatically make an injury OSHA recordable. When ordered and managed as directed, this program qualifies as first aid management.
THE SOLUTION
Advanced First Aid does not attempt to send fewer injuries to the clinic. It expands medical authority and diagnostic confidence inside first aid.
Instead of defaulting to referral when uncertainty rises, employers embed physician oversight at the first point of care. Supervisors follow structured, MD-backed first aid pathways with clear escalation guardrails.
WHAT ADVANCED FIRST AID INCLUDES
MD oversight at the first aid level and before escalation
Diagnostic confidence through clinically appropriate imaging when needed
Structured first aid protocols aligned with OSHA definitions
MD escalation guardrails — knowing when to stay in first aid and when to move to clinic
Supervisor engagement as an active feedback loop
Defensible, employer-focused documentation
Targeted soft tissue care for pain reduction and mobility
Active recovery permitted within First Aid guardrails
Zero PT coding
WorkPartners built the process and infrastructure on behalf of our customers — coordinating relationships, overseeing onsite and on-demand services, and following each case through resolution.
WHAT IT IS NOT
Not a way to avoid legitimate medical care
Not a delay tactic
Not a replacement for your claim or clinic proces
Not physical therapy or rehabilitation
Not a referral program
Not a back door around workers’ compensation
Advanced First Aid does not include physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, or joint/spine adjustment.
This changes the decision point.
Pain no longer automatically triggers escalation.
Uncertainty is resolved before referral.
Escalation becomes deliberate — not reactive.
Our approach is built for measurable, executive-level validation across four dimensions.
ESCALATION CONTROL
Structural Validation
Confirms that escalation drift was real — and changed.
SUPERVISOR CONFIDENCE
Supervisor Confidence Validation
Confirms supervisor stopped defaulting to referral.
DIAGNOSTIC CONFIDENCE
Diagnostic Confidence Validation
Confirms imaging/MD oversight reduced fear-driven decisions.
SEVERITY COMPRESSION
Severity Compression Validation
Confirms cases stayed first aid or escalated more cleanly.
Advanced First Aid expands medical authority at the moment it matters most and preserves employer control before escalation takes over.
Approximately 35–50% of WorkPartners triaged injuries are musculoskeletal.
Through MD triage, roughly 80% of reported injuries are resolved at the first aid level without clinic referral.
Escalation is often driven by slowly resolving pain or diagnostic uncertainty rather than medical necessity.
AFA expands first aid to include soft tissue care and active recovery within OSHA first aid limits.
Clinically appropriate mobile X-ray coordination helps evaluate bone and joint injuries, which helps prevent fear-driven referral.
Any employee who may require further care or evaluation for their first aid level MSK injury.
Research supports early conservative care and soft tissue mobilization for MSK pain reduction and functional improvement in the short period after an injury.
Earlier pain resolution and diagnostic clarity reduce unnecessary referrals, lost time, and downstream claim severity.
No. If escalation criteria are met, the case moves immediately into the clinic and claim pathway.
Imaging alone does not automatically make an injury recordable. Classification depends on imaging results, treatment and OSHA criteria.
No. Structured first aid active recovery is not rehabilitation or ongoing therapy. It operates within OSHA first aid limits.
The MD is able to provide more options to achieve expected outcomes after discussion and explanation.. If clinical thresholds are met or symptoms warrant escalation, the case moves forward.
No. AFA operates before claim stage. It supports structured decisions within first aid.
Supervisors follow defined guidance and provide feedback on recovery progress. Engagement improves outcomes and reduces unnecessary referral.
Employers receive guidance and supporting materials to help align job requirements and documentation practices with OSHA first aid standards.