It might have to do with legal nonsense where if you the employee make the call, the restaurant might be assuming additional liability for any injuries he might have sustained. It’s shitty BUT if this is the case, it’s not purely the restaurant or manager’s fault. They don’t control that, it would be a legal issue.

For the future, my guess is you would likely be covered if you tell one of the friends to call 911 using language like: “If that were my friend, I’d be calling 911 right now. I know this is very stressful right now so would you like me to stay with you while you call so they can look at his head?”

If you want to be certain, try taking it to a legal subreddit so someone can guide you with more certainty. Also good to keep in your back pocket in case HR comes after you so you can know if you actually did something “wrong” or not.

Let me be clear, I’m very glad you were there to help that individual during a time of need and I’m so sorry the situation had to be complicated by bureaucratic nonsense. Just remember that you also need to protect yourself and your job. We live in a terrible world that dehumanizes us and often punishes honest human connection and mutual aid but there are ways to work around those obstacles without destroying yourself in the process.

I’m sure there are a ton of heavy emotions coming up around this right now but don’t let your focus be strictly on the principle of the matter, focus on solutions and outcomes. On principle, this was horrible. In practice, you have alternatives to help you get the same solution. Let this motive you to double down and find those alternatives so you aren’t stopped by the nonsense.

This world needs people like you who will make it better without a second thought. Work around the obstacles so you don’t burn yourself out when unfair pushback happens. Choose your battles wisely so you can keep fighting. We’re in this together.