Fish Hook Injury

An embedded fish hook should be removed by a doctor but, if you are too far from medical help and it is a single-barbed hook in a superficial part (such as a finger), you will probably be able to take it out if you are careful. Do not attempt to remove a hook from the face, or from any other part where it appears to have penetrated deeply.

First aid treatment

1. Do not try to pull the hook out the way it went in. Push it forward through the skin until the barb protrudes.
2. Cut off the barb with pliers or a similar tool. Pull the shank of the hook out through the point of entry, or cut off the shank and pull the hook out by the barb.
3. Apply a sterile pad to the wound and bandage firmly. It will be necessary to see your doctor if a tetanus booster is due or the wound becomes more painful or inflamed.