Recently, the dispatching and command center of Beijing Emergency Center received a call for help. A 90-year-old man mistakenly used cockroach killer as food. He mixed it in porridge and ate it. Although he did not show any symptoms of discomfort, his family members were still worried. The ambulance took the elderly to the hospital for further examination.

when the cockroach killer is ingested by mistake, the patient could induce emesis to reduce the absorption of the drug if he or she is conscious. In addition, due to the difference in the amount and time of accidental ingestion of drugs, the patient's condition might be different. Some patients have no symptoms of discomfort, and some patients may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Chest tightness, convulsions, breathing difficulties and even coma may also occur when it is serious. However, no matter whether it appear or whether it is severe, the patient should seek medical treatment in a timely manner to avoid serious life-threatening situations.

In daily work, Beijing 120 often receives calls for help claiming the elderly or children accidentally ingesting cockroach killer, 84 disinfectant, mothballs, mosquito-repellent liquid, or some other family members' normal medicine. There is also other situation that a teenager or adult deliberately consumes those stuff out of anger with the family when he or she knew it is a toxic drug. Therefore, adults must explain the use of these toxic drugs to the elderly and children at home to avoid accidental ingestion, and adults should not harm their own health or their families by impulsive actions.