Emergency nursing team: occupational risks and self protection/Equipe de enfermagem de emergencia: riscos ocupacionais e medidas de autoprotecao/Equipo de enfermeria de emergencia: riesgos laborales y medidas de autoproteccion

This qualitative study aimed to reveal knowledge of workplace risks and identify self-protection measures taken by an emergency nursing team at a university hospital in Londrina, Parana. Data were collected from March to May 2012 using semi-structured interviews and were analyzed by content analysis. Three categories were identified: living with workplace risks that materialize externally, living with risks that materialize internally, and measures for self-protection against those risks. It was concluded that the respondents understood the biological risks of care and of handling contaminated objects, because of inadequate human resources and insufficient equipment, and also the risks of exposure to physical and verbal assaults' resulting in situations where they experience stress. They understand the importance of self-protection, but cannot always protect themselves, especially in urgent or emergency situations and for lack of time.