When a coworker is unconscious after a fall, call for help right away.

Title: When a coworker goes down: the right move in a sudden head injury on the sidewalk

Let’s set the scene. You’re on patrol with your sanitation crew, gloves on, reflective vest flashing, and the city hums around you. Then, out of nowhere, a coworker trips, falls, and hits her head on the concrete. She’s unconscious. In that moment, decisions have real consequences. The right move isn’t always the most obvious one, but it’s the move that buys the most time for someone who might be seriously hurt.

Here’s the thing you should reach for first: the truck radio.

Why calling for help comes first, every time

In these moments, the clock doesn’t tick in a friendly, orderly way. A head injury can hide trouble beneath the surface—bleeding, swelling, a concussion, or something more serious. The fastest way to get trained medical professionals on the scene is to use the truck radio and call for help immediately. Quick notification means a response can be on the way while you assess the surroundings and keep the area safe.

Now, you might be thinking, “Shouldn’t I check if she’s breathing or pulse first?” It’s a good instinct to check, but the emphasis in this situation is to summon help right away. Why? Because a medical team can diagnose and begin treatment sooner, which matters with head injuries. At the same time, moving her or trying to move her without a professional assessment can cause more harm. The priority is to get skilled responders en route, then provide support on the ground.

What not to do (a quick safety heads-up)

• Do not try to carry her to the truck immediately. Lifting an unconscious person, especially with possible head or neck injury, can worsen spinal damage or other injuries. It’s not worth the risk.

• Do not wait to see if she regains consciousness. Time matters. Waiting can let a dangerous situation develop.

• Do not crowd the area with nonessential bystanders or chatter. You want the scene clear for first responders and for you to work without distraction.

A practical sequence that respects safety

1. Call for help right away

• Use the truck radio to alert dispatch or teammates next to you. Clearly state: “Unconscious coworker with possible head injury on [location].” If you have to, add any hazards: nearby traffic, slippery surface, or ongoing work. The goal is a fast, precise report so EMS can arrive prepared.

2. Ensure your own safety and the scene

• Before you do anything, scan for danger to you and others. If there’s traffic, direct vehicles away safely and set up warning signals or cones if you have them. Move nothing unless there’s an immediate danger (like a flare or a live wire). Your goal is a safe perimeter.

3. Keep the person still

• If moving isn’t forced by danger, let her lie where she fell. Keep her head and neck aligned as best as you can without twisting. If she’s in a position that seems to risk further harm, you can stabilize her head with your hands in a neutral position—think gentle support rather than trying to reposition.

4. Monitor breathing and responsiveness

• If you’re trained to do so, you can check breathing and responsiveness without shaking her or forcing movement. If she stops breathing and you’re trained, begin appropriate life support while waiting for EMS. The key word here is trained; if you’re not sure, don’t attempt complex maneuvers. The professionals will take over the moment they arrive.

5. Communicate clearly with responders

• When the EMS team arrives, share what you observed: when she fell, whether there was any visible bleeding, whether she’s responsive at all, and any changes you noticed as you waited. The more precise the information, the faster the right care can begin.

6. Keep the area organized for the responders

• Have your team remove debris from the area so emergency personnel can access the coworker easily. Gather useful items like a first-aid kit or PPE, and keep notes on what happened and when.

Why this approach makes sense in the field

Head injuries turn on a dime. A person who seems responsive can deteriorate quickly. By calling for help first, you’re not admitting defeat or panicking—you’re acting with precision. You’re giving the medical professionals the best possible starting point: a clear, informed, and safe scene. In the rough-and-tumble world of street sanitation work, that calm, proactive stance matters more than you might think.

Local knowledge meets universal safety

Think about the places you frequent every day—the curb, the street, the alley behind a storefront. Concrete is unforgiving, and a head strike can be more serious than it looks. Your crew has built-in routines that keep everyone safer: proper PPE, visibility gear, and a habit of checking the surroundings before stepping into a new zone. This situation isn’t just about medical know-how; it’s about applying that know-how in real time, with the street’s noise and the clock’s pressure all around you.

A few extra tips that often come up in the field

• Speak calmly and clearly. Your voice can help calm a tense moment and guide others who arrive on the scene. A steady tone can ease the team’s coordination, which matters when time feels slippery.

• Keep a simple log in your head (or on a notepad) of what you saw and when. It’s not about over-documenting; it’s about accuracy for responders and for your team’s after-action review.

• Remember your own boundaries. If you’re unsure about a medical step, don’t improvise. You’ll still be invaluable by staying close, keeping the scene safe, and relaying information to the professionals when they arrive.

• After the incident, take a moment to check in with your coworker once she’s stabilized. Even if she’s awake, a head injury can be disorienting. Your supportive presence matters.

A little digression that ties back to the core idea

You know that moment after a heavy rain when the street smells fresh and clean again? In the same way, a swift, well-aimed action can restore a sense of safety on the jobsite. When you call for help first, you’re not just triggering a rescue; you’re restoring order to a chaotic moment. The person who fell doesn’t just need medical attention; they need a crew that acts with care, clarity, and responsibility. That’s the kind of teamwork that makes field work safer for everyone.

Real-world language, real-world consequences

This isn’t about memorizing a script; it’s about staying grounded in sound priorities. The right opening move—using the truck radio to summon medical help—set the stage for proper care. After that, you play a supporting role: keep the area safe, monitor vital signs if you’re trained, and provide clear, honest updates to responders. It’s a sequence that respects the seriousness of head injuries while keeping everyone aligned and purposeful.

Wrapping it up: one decisive action after another

If you ever find yourself in this situation, you’ll remember one moment that matters most: the call for help. From there, the chain of action follows with purpose. Don’t let the instinct to do something immediately overshadow the smarter move to bring in professional responders first. In street sanitation work, that is how safety gets returned to the team—one decisive, well-executed step at a time.

Bottom line

• Use the truck radio to call for help right away.

• Do not move an unconscious coworker unless there’s an immediate danger.

• If you’re trained, check breathing and pulse and be ready to act under professional guidance once responders arrive.

• Keep the scene safe, communicate clearly, and stay with the coworker until help arrives.

You’re on the front line where every decision matters. A calm, prompt response doesn’t just protect someone’s health in the moment—it reinforces the trust and reliability that keep a crew strong. When the city’s busy streets throw you a sudden challenge, you’ve got a straightforward, powerful tool at your disposal. Use it. Your team will thank you, and so will the person you’re trying to help.