About
Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Mary Friday is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at C A M H - Queen Street Site in Barrie, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She is skilled in the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions in patients of all ages. This includes managing time-sensitive situations, performing necessary emergency procedures, and coordinating care effectively within the fast-paced ER environment. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide care for urgent and life-threatening conditions. Patients are seen based on the severity of their condition, as determined by a triage process.
Dr. Friday graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of the West Indies, Barbados, and has accumulated over 10 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2014. She is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and clinical experience enable her to provide expert emergency care and to handle complex medical cases efficiently in the emergency setting.
Her professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Friday is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She delivers emergency care in English, ensuring clear communication with patients and families in high-stress scenarios.
Dr. Sarah Friday is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Friday manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Coordination of immediate transfer to a facility with cardiothoracic surgical capabilities if necessary.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Friday manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.
- COPD Exacerbation: Identifying and addressing potential triggers for the exacerbation, such as respiratory infections or environmental exposures.
- Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Aggressive and protocol-driven management of severe asthma attacks, including frequent administration of inhaled bronchodilators (beta-agonists and anticholinergics), systemic corticosteroids, and supplemental oxygen.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Initiation of immediate management strategies to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and alleviate respiratory distress.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Friday manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Providing appropriate analgesia and ensuring follow-up for wound checks or suture removal.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms and when to seek further medical attention.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Providing clear instructions for cast/splint care, weight-bearing status, and orthopedic follow-up.
This list is not exhaustive. The Emergency Department is equipped to handle a broad spectrum of urgent health issues. If you believe you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest ER or call emergency services.
- Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Rapid evaluation, resuscitation, and stabilization of patients with single or multiple injuries from accidents, falls, assaults, or other traumatic events.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Identifying and initiating immediate management for critical conditions such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke (CVA), severe infections (sepsis), and acute respiratory failure.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Ordering and interpreting urgent laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis, cardiac markers, etc.) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds).
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
- Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Safe and effective administration of sedative and analgesic medications to facilitate patient comfort and cooperation during uncomfortable or painful procedures in the ER.
- Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Evaluating neurovascular status distal to injuries to identify and manage complications.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Friday are tailored to the immediate needs of patients in acute situations.
All emergency medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.
C A M H - Queen Street Site is located in Barrie's Letitia Heights neighborhood, within the Sunnidale area. The Emergency Department is situated close to the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), making it easily accessible for urgent medical needs. The hospital can be reached via Barrie Transit, with multiple bus routes serving the area. The facility features comprehensive access, with the Emergency Department fully accessible to all patients. Hospital parking is available on-site, with designated spots for emergency access; patients and visitors are advised to follow hospital signage for ER drop-off and parking. This facility serves as a critical access point for urgent and emergent care within the community, integrating seamlessly with the hospital’s broader emergency and specialty services to ensure timely patient care.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Friday?
- Dr. Friday, as a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries., specializes in emergency medicine. This field focuses on the immediate decision-making and action necessary to prevent death or further disability both in the pre-hospital setting (by directing emergency medical services) and in the emergency department. Their primary focus is on diagnosing undifferentiated acute conditions, resuscitating and stabilizing patients who are critically ill or injured, providing pain relief and symptom control, and coordinating comprehensive care for a diverse patient population presenting with urgent medical needs.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Friday?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Friday in the Emergency Room, a report of your visit is generally forwarded to your primary care physician, especially if follow-up care or medication adjustments are necessary. To facilitate this, please make sure the ER registration staff have the correct contact details for your family doctor.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Friday works?
- When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ card). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Friday and the medical team if you can provide an accurate list of all medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), a list of any allergies you have, and details of any important past medical conditions or surgeries. If you are accompanying someone else, try to have this information for them.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Friday practices, utilize a triage system. This means patients are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather based on the severity and urgency of their medical condition. Patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses (like heart attacks, strokes, or major trauma) are always prioritized and seen first. This can result in longer wait times for those with less urgent conditions, especially during peak hours or when the ER is managing multiple critically ill patients. The entire ER team, including Dr. Friday, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.
- What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?
- When you arrive at the Emergency Room, a specially trained triage nurse will be one of the first healthcare professionals you see. Their role is to quickly assess the urgency of your medical condition based on your symptoms, vital signs, and a brief history. This assessment helps determine your priority for treatment relative to other patients. The triage nurse ensures that the most critically ill or injured patients are seen by an ER doctor like Dr. Friday as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
C A M H - Queen Street Site
Unit 3, 4th Floor, 480 Huronia Road, Department of Psychiatry
Barrie, ON L4N 6M2
Hospital Main Line: (705) 792-0933
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Friday is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Emergency Room services are typically accessed by presenting directly to the Emergency Department or via ambulance (e.g., by calling 911) for urgent medical conditions. No direct referral is usually required to be seen in the ER by Dr. Friday or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Friday's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Friday-Sarah-Elizabeth-Mary/0294991-105185