How do you get help if you get hurt while walking alone?
If you get hurt while walking alone, call 911 first if you hit your head, may have hurt your hip, back or neck, can't get up, or were struck by a car. Give the house number or the nearest cross streets. If it's minor, call someone to pick you up rather than limping home. Walks usually happen near homes and other people, so shout for help if your phone is out of reach. A live link with a return time or stationary alert makes sure someone notices if you can't call.
What to do if you're hurt on a walk
01Stay calm and check before you move
The NHS advice after a fall is to take a couple of minutes to check for pain or injury before trying to get up. Look at your wrists, hips and knees, and notice any head knock. If you think you've hurt your head, back, neck or hip, or you simply can't get up, that's a 911 call.
02Get up the safe way, or don't
If you feel able, roll onto your side, push up onto your hands and knees, then use something stable like a bench, wall or car bumper to stand slowly, and sit down to rest. If you can't, stay down, use your phone to call for help, and cover yourself with a coat or anything nearby to keep warm while you wait.
03Give the dispatcher an address-style location
Walkers are usually near a street address. Say the house number you can see, the street and the nearest cross street, or the name of the park, school or store beside you. For example: "I've fallen on the sidewalk outside 214 Elm Street, near the corner of Oak, and I can't stand up." If you truly don't know, our answer on calling 911 when you don't know where you are helps.
04Let a Guardian know
After the 911 call, tap SOS in Holler. Your Guardians get your location by email and push, and the live link shows exactly where you stopped. A family member a few streets away may reach you before the ambulance, and can lock up your house or bring your medication list.
05Use a backstop that notices a fall
For daily walks, set a return time before you head out. If you haven't checked in five minutes after it, your Guardians get an overdue alert. The optional stationary alert can act sooner: stop moving for the time you choose and Holler asks "Are you OK?", then alerts your Guardians if you don't answer. Pick a time longer than your usual bench stop.
Related questions
What if I can't reach my phone after a fall?
Shout, bang on a fence or car, or wave at anyone passing; on a residential street someone is usually within earshot. Keep warm and move your arms and legs gently while you wait. If you set a return time, your Guardians get an overdue alert and can see where your live link stopped.
Should I go to the doctor after a fall if I feel fine?
If you hit your head, get checked, especially if you take blood thinners. The NHS says to call for emergency help after a head injury with a fit, vision problems, new numbness or weakness, or trouble walking, speaking or understanding. See a doctor soon about any fall if you're worried about balance.
What does this look like for an older walker?
Say your father walks the same two-mile loop each morning. He starts a live link with you as Guardian, sets a return time 20 minutes after his usual finish and turns on a stationary alert. If he trips on a raised sidewalk and can't get up, he calls 911. If he can't reach his phone, you get the alert and can see the exact block. Our page for seniors who walk alone covers this setup.
What if I was hit by a car or bike while crossing?
Call 911 even if you feel okay, because injuries can show up later and a police report matters. Get the driver's name, plate and insurance, and ask witnesses to stay.
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Sources, checked September 2026: NHS: Falls, NHS: Head injury and concussion.
More safety answers, or see the safety guides.