About
Dr. Aaron Davison is an experienced Emergency Physician (FRCPC), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in New Westminster, BC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Davison’s role involves 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.
He graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 1994 and has completed extensive post-graduate training. Dr. Davison holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in BC, including certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His professional qualifications ensure he maintains the highest standards of emergency medical practice and patient safety.
Dr. Davison’s professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He delivers emergency care in English and is committed to serving the community of New Westminster with integrity and professionalism.
Dr. Aaron Davison is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Davison manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Utilizing advanced EKG interpretation skills for accurate arrhythmia diagnosis.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Davison manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.
- 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): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Davison manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Systematic and prioritized trauma assessment following Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols to rapidly identify and address immediate life-threatening conditions (e.g., airway obstruction, tension pneumothorax, massive hemorrhage).
- Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Careful examination to rule out more serious underlying injuries, such as fractures, compartment syndrome, or tendon ruptures.
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.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Employing rapid diagnostic tools and protocols to efficiently evaluate patients with urgent health concerns.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Managing acute flare-ups of chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, diabetes (e.g., DKA, HHS), or sickle cell crisis.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Expertise in diagnosing a broad spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries that present to the emergency department, including those with atypical presentations.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Prompt and effective symptom control for distressing conditions such as severe nausea, vomiting, acute shortness of breath, or systemic allergic reactions.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Davison 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.
The Emergency Department in New Westminster is situated in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood, providing accessible urgent care within the community. It is conveniently located near the Royal City Centre Mall, with easy access via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). The hospital’s Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with dedicated parking spots available for emergency access. Patients and visitors are guided by hospital signage directing ER patient drop-off and parking. This facility serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care, integrated with comprehensive hospital services to address a wide range of health needs.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Davison?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Davison, to send a detailed summary of your ER visit to your designated family doctor, provided you share their contact information during registration. This report typically includes the reason for your visit, significant findings, any treatments administered, and recommendations for follow-up. This ensures continuity of care and keeps your family doctor informed about important changes in your health status. Following up with your family doctor after an ER visit is usually recommended.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Davison 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. Davison 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.
- When should I see Dr. Davison in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Davison and the Emergency Room team are best equipped to handle acute, severe, or potentially life-threatening medical conditions. For ongoing care, management of chronic illnesses (unless there's an acute exacerbation), routine check-ups, preventative health measures, prescription refills for stable conditions, and non-urgent health concerns, your family doctor is the most appropriate healthcare provider. They offer continuity of care and have a comprehensive understanding of your overall health history. If your condition is not an emergency, consulting your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is generally recommended.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Davison works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?
- Deciding between the ER and other care options depends on severity. The Emergency Room is the correct place for acute, potentially severe conditions like difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of a stroke, major trauma, severe allergic reactions, or uncontrolled bleeding. For ongoing health issues, minor ailments, or routine care, your family doctor offers continuity. Walk-in clinics can handle less severe acute issues. Dr. Davison and the ER staff are prepared for urgent and life-threatening situations; using the ER appropriately helps ensure timely care for those who need it most. If in doubt about a serious condition, seek emergency assessment.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Wait times in the Emergency Room can fluctuate significantly due to several factors. The primary reason is the triage process: patients with the most severe and time-sensitive conditions are treated immediately. If many critically ill patients arrive simultaneously, or if the department is experiencing high patient volumes or staffing challenges, those with less acute problems may face longer waits. Dr. Davison and the ER staff understand that waiting can be frustrating and are committed to providing efficient care while ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Davison?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Davison, an Emergency Physician (FRCPC), is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. They are experts at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. They manage everything from severe trauma and cardiac arrests to less critical but still urgent issues, ensuring patients are stabilized and receive appropriate next steps in their care.
330 Columbia St E, Royal Columbian Hospital
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Davison is a licensed Emergency Physician (FRCPC) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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. Davison or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Davison's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/311608/Davison%2CAaron