Objective:

To detect immediate emotional needs in Instituto Nacional de Pediatría health personnel derived from the September 19th, 2017 earthquake, and contribute to reduce or control affliction, suffering, sadness and anxiety that appeared as a consequence of this traumatic event, and identify those in need of specialized intervention and refer them to corresponding services.

Materials and methods:

This is an exploratory, qualitative and cross-sectional study, in which seven group interventions were performed in different hospital services. The group intervention was held in 90 minutes, trough five stages described in the protocol. Data collection was done by means of written reports and a frequency qualitative analysis was made.

Results:

Participants expressed having vivid visual, auditive, kinestesic and sensorial memories about the earthquake, having perceived a serious threat to their lives; they also experienced fear and anxiety. They reported loss of control behaviors in themselves and in others, and the implementation of preventive measures. Some days after the earthquake they showed anticipatory fear, habits changes, and proposed some recovery actions.

Conclusion:

Participants expressed having memories about imminent threat. Qualitative data obtained in this study invite to follow-up the intervention groups, and to consider the different groups suggestions, as it is important to offer emotional support to people working in this Institution, to enhance homeostasis, and thus the optimal performance in their service.