Abstract
Objective: to analyze the experiences of suffering of the workers of basic attention teams and the strategies used in the performance of their actions to avoid the illness in a context of tragedy. Methods: Exploratory-descriptive study, with qualitative approach. The data collection occurred in the months of July and August of 2013, through a semi-structured interview, performed as health workers. Data were analyzed through Content Analysis. Results: It was possible to verify the existence of suffering in the face of an abrupt and destabilizing situation that favors suffering, in which workers were exposed to the risks of illness. Conclusion: We noticed the need for organizational support, with actions and management policies that can build processes favorable to workers' health. It is noteworthy that despite the sufferings arising from the context of the tragedy, workers refer to a subjective strengthening, with the acquisition of a new look at life.