Final answer:
When a tablet fails in the field, immediately revert to using paper and pencil to continue data collection and then contact support for a long-term solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
If your tablet fails out in the field, the most immediate and practical step would be to go back to paper/pencil data. This approach allows for the continuation of data collection without significant interruption. As the situation involves problem-solving under work conditions, strategies such as contacting scheduling or calling a manager to get help should ideally be the next steps once the immediate need to continue work is addressed. It's important to maintain a level-headed approach and strategize efficiently, focusing on problem-solving strategies and staying productive in the face of technological failure.