Question 21 MODU03 - Ballast Control Operator

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct Option C, "Push the barb through, cut it off, then remove the hook," describes the standard, field-expedient procedure for removing a fishhook embedded deeply enough that the barb is engaged in the tissue. 1. **Advance the Hook:** The point and barb must be advanced through the skin until they exit the surface, creating a second puncture wound. This is necessary because pulling the hook backward (retrograde removal) would cause significant tissue damage and pain as the barb tears through the tissue. 2. **Cut the Barb/Shaft:** Once the point and barb are exposed, they are cut off using wire cutters or strong shears (if the shaft is cut, wire cutters are used close to the skin). If the goal is simply to remove the barb, the barb itself is clipped off. Removing the barb eliminates the feature that prevents retrograde movement. 3. **Remove the Hook:** After the barb is removed, the remaining smooth shaft of the hook can be easily pulled back out through the entry wound (retrograde removal) without causing further tearing or trauma. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) Have a surgeon remove it:** While a surgeon or medical professional should perform the removal whenever possible (especially if the hook is near vital structures like joints, nerves, or blood vessels, or if the victim is immunocompromised), this is not the **procedure** itself. Furthermore, in many outdoor or field situations, immediate removal is necessary, and waiting for a surgeon may be impractical or impossible. Therefore, it does not describe the technique used. **B) Pull it out with pliers:** This is strongly contraindicated. Pulling the hook backward (retrograde removal) while the barb is engaged will cause the barb to snag and tear a large amount of tissue, resulting in unnecessary pain, increased tissue destruction, and potentially a larger, more complicated wound requiring extensive repair. Pliers are used to stabilize or cut the hook, not to yank it out backward. **D) Cut the skin from around the hook:** This procedure, which involves incising the skin back from the entry point toward the barb, is called an "incision method." While this method is sometimes used, it is generally considered the *second-line* method after the advance-and-cut method (C) or the string-yank method (which is not listed). The advance-and-cut method (C) is preferred because it is less invasive, less bloody, and usually faster than surgically cutting tissue to expose the hook. Cutting the skin significantly increases the risk of infection and may require sutures, making C the safer and preferred field procedure.