The author presents the results of 8 months observation, in a teaching hospital, examining staff’s psychological response when treating a suicide attempter. Of the attempters seen by medical staff, 10% received a positive response, 60% were treated with indifferent neutrality, & 30% received outspoken hostility. Nurses reacted positively to only 5%. Possible causes & recommendations concerning the negative reactions of medical staff are included. (RM)