Influenza experts recognize the inevitability of an influenza pandemic, most probably an avian flu pandemic. Most indications suggest it is just a matter of time. Objective: To assess emergency department healthcare professionals’ (HCP) risk perception, possible affection of attendance pattern and willingness to work during a pandemic. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to physicians, nurses and auxiliary personnel of the Emergency Department, Short Observation Unit and Intensive Emergency Medicine Unit (Emergency Dept Unit, admitting patients with severe, acute medical conditions, excluding patients requiring invasive ventilation), employed in the Padova University Hospitals, Italy. Results: The overall response rate was: 69%; physicians 94%, nurses 73%, auxiliary personnel 56%. Conclusions: 1) there is a lack of the “culture of emergency” concerning epidemics/pandemics, which are emergencies ED personnel is not acquainted with; 2) in order to be able to cope with highly stressful situations like epidemics, the importance of timely, thorough information is paramount, regardless of the different methods; 3) periodic drills, continuous training, and active participation in acquiring information and training can create the sensation of making part of the whole system, thus increasing commitment.