Emergency
First aid on the water
Plain, fast guidance for the injuries anglers actually get. General first aid only — this is not diagnosis and never replaces emergency care.
In Estonia and across the EU, 112 reaches ambulance, rescue and police. Give your location first — coordinates from your saved spot if you have them.
Fish hook in hand or skin
Stabilise the hook, control bleeding, and know when not to pull.
Get it checked5 immediate stepsOpen guidanceHook or object in the eye or face
Never remove it. Protect the eye and get emergency care now.
Call 112 territory5 immediate stepsOpen guidanceCuts, puncture wounds and heavy bleeding
Direct pressure first, keep it up, and treat heavy bleeding as an emergency.
Call 112 territory5 immediate stepsOpen guidanceFish spine, teeth and contaminated wounds
Perch, ruffe, pike and catfish wounds infect easily. Clean early.
Get it checked5 immediate stepsOpen guidanceSunburn and burns from hot equipment
Cool water for 20 minutes, cover loosely, never pop blisters.
Manage on site5 immediate stepsOpen guidanceSlips, falls, suspected fractures and sprains
Do not move a suspected spinal injury. Support, rest, ice, elevate.
Get it checked4 immediate stepsOpen guidanceCold exposure, wet clothing and hypothermia
Get dry, get insulated, warm gradually and handle the person gently.
Call 112 territory5 immediate stepsOpen guidanceHeat exhaustion and heat stroke
Confusion or no sweating in a hot person is an emergency.
Call 112 territory4 immediate stepsOpen guidanceNear-drowning and water rescue
Reach, throw, row — never swim to a casualty if you can avoid it.
Call 112 territory5 immediate stepsOpen guidanceAllergic reactions and insect stings
Breathing or swelling problems mean adrenaline and 112, immediately.
Call 112 territory4 immediate stepsOpen guidanceSeasickness and dehydration
Horizon, air, small sips — and watch for dehydration on long sessions.
Manage on site4 immediate stepsOpen guidanceLightning and storm safety
Carbon rods are lightning rods. Off the water is the only safe answer.
Call 112 territory5 immediate stepsOpen guidanceBoat emergency basics
Lifejackets, kill-cord, a Mayday call and staying with the boat.
Get it checked5 immediate stepsOpen guidance
Guidance is reviewed editorially against official first-aid sources and carries a last-reviewed date on every page. Local rules and services differ by country — always follow the instructions of your emergency operator.