This study combined descriptive, cross-sectional and qualitative and quantitative aspects and aimed to identify the presence and levels of stress in a pre-hospital care unit. The study was performed at a Mobile Emergency Care unit in the city of Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais. Sixty-three individuals of both sexes, with a mean age of 32.6, took part in the study, encompassing various professional groups and shift workers. The instruments used were: Record of socio-demographic characteristics and the Lipp's Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults. The results were as follows: 31.7% of subjects showed symptoms of stress, 30.2% were in the resistance stage, with predominantly physical symptoms; 66.7% enjoyed no other activity, and of these 52.4% had no symptoms of stress (Fisher's exact test p=0.015). We conclude that the individuals displayed low levels of stress and they used cognitive or behavioral mechanisms to minimize stress and maintain internal balance.
Patient care team; Emergency medical service; Stress
