Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services or go to an emergency department immediately for:
A hook in or near the eye
Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled without pressing on the hook
Trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or confusion
A hook in the neck or chest with possible deep penetration
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your healthcare team promptly if pain, redness, warmth, or swelling is increasing, or if you develop pus, fever, reduced movement, numbness, or a feeling that part of the hook remains.
Seek urgent same-day care if a finger or toe becomes pale, blue, cold, or increasingly numb, or if bleeding restarts and does not settle with gentle pressure around the wound.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Attend follow-up as arranged.
The article also says
Do not press on, twist, or remove a hook involving the eye or another deeply penetrated sensitive area.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Fishhook removal. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.