Hook or object in the eye or face
Never remove it. Protect the eye and get emergency care now.
Call 112 territory
What to do now
- 1Call 112 or head straight to emergency care.
- 2Cut the line, leave the hook exactly where it is.
- 3Shield the eye with a rigid cup or cut-down cup taped over the socket — no pressure on the eyeball.
- 4Keep the person sitting still, calm and looking straight ahead.
- 5Cover the uninjured eye too if the person keeps moving their eyes.
Do not
- 1Do not pull, twist or cut the hook out.
- 2Do not rinse, rub or press the eye.
- 3Do not let the person drive themselves.
Seek urgent help if
- 1Always. Any penetrating eye or facial injury is an emergency.
- 2Vision loss, blood in the eye, or an obviously misshapen pupil.
Aftercare
- 1Follow the eye specialist's instructions exactly, including antibiotic and follow-up timing.
- 2Wear polarised eye protection when casting — most eye hooking is preventable.
This page is general first-aid guidance for anglers. It cannot diagnose an injury and does not replace professional emergency care. If you are unsure, call 112.
