Fisherman's First Aid

What to do if a hook Penetrates 

the skin

If you are a regular fisherman, one of these days you can bet your bottom dollar that you will end up stabbing either yourself or someone with you,  with a hook. Normally this is not a problem, but what should you do if the "Barb" has penetrated and you have firmly hooked yourself (Or a colleague).

Don't panic and remember the following simple guide.

WHEN PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL HELP IS CLOSE BY

• Support the casualties’ hand and cut the fishing line close to the hook.
• Build up pads of gauze over and around the wound to fully protect it, now bandage over it lightly with minimal pressure to avoid working the hook in deeper.
• Seek medical attention immediately.

WHEN MEDICAL HELP IS UNAVAILABLE AND THE BARB HAS FULLY ENTERED

• Loop a piece of fishing line around the curve of the hook.
• Pressure the eye of the hook down on to the finger to give the barb a more vertical angle. If the eye of the hook extends beyond the finger, pad under the hook shank to get more leverage when pressure is applied to the eye.
• Pull sharply on the line around the hook to withdraw the barb and point.
• Fully clean and dress the wound with antiseptic cream.
• It’s worth checking that your Tetanus immunity is up-to-date as soon as possible.

IF THE BARB IS VISIBLE AND HAS EXITED THE WOUND

• Cut the hook point off below the barb while supporting the casualties hand.
• Withdraw the hook by gently pulling it backwards from the wound.
• Clean and dress the wound using antiseptic cream.
• Ensure that you tetanus immunity is up-to-date.

Note: Information reproduced from an original item on "Puncture Wounds" published in "British Red Cross Guide to First Aid"