Abstract Context: Children with severe neurological disabilities are at greater risk of developing life-threatening events, typically respiratory complications. Finding appropriate guidance for life-saving support measures and/or resuscitation in these crisis situations is a major challenge for caregivers, whether in medical, ethical or legal terms. Objectives: The aims of this study were: (1) investigate the attitudes of doctors faced with this type of situation, (2) explore personal factors that may influence such conduct. Method: Managers and heads of clinics working in FMH A and B paediatric centres were invited by e-mail to participate in an internet survey. These were heads of department and/or specialists in intensive paediatric care, neuropdiatrics or paediatric rehabilitation. The questionnaire explored the demographic, professional and religious characteristics of the participants and their attitudes to two life risk scenarios: (1) in a child aged 6 years in a state of minimum consciousness, (2) in a child aged 8 months with a type I spinal amyotrophy. The answers were listed on a Likert scale at 4 levels (totally disagree). Results: The turnout was 55 % (52/95). For both children, there was consensus on the following attitudes: (1) in favour of non-invasive ventilation, (2) in favour of a comfort care project, (3) unfavourable to tracheotomy and long-term invasive ventilation. In children with minimum consciousness, 61 % of participants opposed complete cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, while 39 % were in favour. In children with spinal amyotrophy 51 % opposed complete cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, while 49 % were in favour. In the same child, when parents asked, on the basis of their religious beliefs, for a tracheotomy and invasive ventilation, 50 % of doctors agreed with this attitude. Doctors over 20 years of practice or over 55 years of age encouraged uninvasive attitudes and therapeutic abstention. They were rather unfavourable to complete resuscitation. In addition, doctors over 10 years of practice proved less inclined to apply a tracheotomy if the parents wished to do so. The same attitude was followed by the Swiss and the non-Swiss. Conclusion: These findings point to the importance of potential disagreements in clinics. In addition, it appears that doctors’ attitudes are significantly influenced by personal and cultural factors. This study shows the need for multidisciplinary care processes and a clear legal and regulatory framework.