It is a descriptive-exploratory study which made use of the Critical incident Technique either to obtain and carry out the data analysis. Hundred and three nursing professionals working in two general ICUs of a Hospital located in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, provided reports concerning CPR situations. From the total of 126 situations obtained: failure in performing technical procedures (58,6%); problems concerning material resources and equipment (31,2%) and lacking coordination of activities (8,6%). Regarding the consequences generated by the type of attendance, patients¢ death (70%) and immediate survival (30%). The results point the need for higher investments in the multiprofessional ICU team capability, as well as in the need to furnish them with adequate material and equipment viewing to minimize iatrogenic occurrences during the attendance.
Critical Incident Technique; Iatrogenic Disease; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Intensive Care Unit
