Im Hyun-sik Collapses After Ingesting Pesticide at His 3,300-Square-Meter Country Home, Rushed to Emergency Room [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Actor Im Hyun-sik shared a harrowing experience from the past when he was rushed to the emergency room after accidentally ingesting pesticide during weeding.

On the 23rd, through MBN’s 'Altoran,' Im Hyun-sik revealed, "I have 20 apple trees at home that I need to take care of, and during the weeding process, I ended up ingesting pesticide."
He explained, "I started sneezing and felt strange. My head was spinning, and things kept getting worse, so I called an ambulance. I lost consciousness and was taken to the emergency room, where I received gastric lavage treatment."
He added, "Even though I had a serious scare, I can’t just quit farming. Sometimes I want to relax and have fun, but since this is an inheritance from my mother, I feel compelled to protect it."
Im Hyun-sik currently lives in a traditional Korean house spanning 3,300 square meters, which he inherited from his mother.
Born in 1945, Im Hyun-sik debuted in 1969 as part of the first open recruitment for actors at Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). He gained popularity for his role as 'Sundol’s father' in the drama 'Under the Same Roof,' and was also loved for his comic performances in historical dramas such as 'Hur Jun,' 'The Merchant,' and 'Jewel in the Palace.'



When someone is poisoned by pesticide, prompt emergency treatment is essential. The basic principle of treating pesticide poisoning is to accelerate the elimination of toxins from the body as early as possible. The first eight hours after ingestion are the golden time to save the patient’s life.
If the toxins are not expelled within this period, organs responsible for detoxification and excretion, such as the liver and kidneys, may be damaged, potentially leading to death.
Upon discovering a pesticide poisoning patient, the first step is to check for breathing. If breathing has stopped, artificial respiration should be performed. If pesticide has entered the eyes, rinse them quickly with clean water. During emergency treatment, remain calm and act carefully to avoid contamination.
Patients poisoned by pesticides are often extremely agitated, so it is important to reassure them. In particular, if poisoned by organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides, movement can worsen their condition, so keeping the patient stable is crucial.
Additionally, since pesticide poisoning patients may lose consciousness or stop breathing, their breathing and consciousness should be closely monitored. If the patient is unconscious, tilt the head back and pull the jaw forward to keep the airway open. Measures should also be taken to regulate the patient’s body temperature.
If the ingested pesticide is not highly toxic, inducing vomiting is not recommended as first aid. If vomiting is necessary or the pesticide is highly toxic, follow the instructions on the pesticide label. Vomiting should only be induced in patients who are conscious.
If convulsions occur, place a pad such as a cloth between the teeth to prevent injury. Do not restrain a patient experiencing convulsions by force.
Smoking or drinking alcohol should be avoided in cases of pesticide poisoning. In particular, milk can promote absorption of certain pesticides in the stomach and should not be consumed. If poisoning is suspected, bring the pesticide container to the hospital and seek emergency treatment.

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