Who said anything about "tucking tail?" You're not under threat, you just need to make a phone call, and you can't make it outside. Heck, go inside, make the call, and go back out if you want, but
make the call.
I wouldn't let my ego get in the way of doing what needs to be done in this situation... and I'd feel sort of bad if this fellow collapsed and died on my lawn, and I'd done nothing to get help for him.
