Dr. Aaron Russell Fitzpatrick – Emergency Room Doctor | Fort McMurray, AB

Dr. Aaron Russell Fitzpatrick is an experienced Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Fort McMurray, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide urgent and life-threatening care, and patients are seen based on the severity of their condition, as determined by a triage process. The hospital’s Emergency Department in Fort McMurray is situated in a major hospital in the neighborhood, conveniently accessible from the hospital campus and served by local public transit. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, with hospital parking available, including designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off points and parking areas, making it a critical access point for urgent medical needs within the community and integrated with comprehensive hospital services.

He is trained and licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), holding license number 027022. Dr. Fitzpatrick graduated with his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Dalhousie University in 2001. He has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. His certification reflects his dedication to maintaining high standards of emergency medical care and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Fitzpatrick’s professional philosophy is centered on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate and efficient care under pressure. He emphasizes effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adherence to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, and prioritizing patient safety. His dedication lies in delivering exceptional emergency care to the community of Fort McMurray, ensuring that every patient receives prompt, respectful, and comprehensive treatment. He communicates fluently in English and strives to advocate for patient needs in all emergency scenarios.

Dr. Aaron Fitzpatrick is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Fitzpatrick manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Evaluation and care for abrasions and puncture wounds, including foreign body assessment.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Prompt recognition and stabilization of patients with more severe traumatic brain injuries (e.g., intracranial hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury), including measures to manage increased intracranial pressure and rapid coordination with neurosurgical and critical care teams.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Fitzpatrick manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Identifying and addressing potential underlying causes of acute severe hypertension and arranging appropriate follow-up.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Maintaining a high index of suspicion for these conditions in patients presenting with severe, tearing chest, back, or abdominal pain, or unexplained syncope.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Fitzpatrick manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.

• COPD Exacerbation: Optimizing outpatient COPD management and providing smoking cessation advice to prevent future exacerbations.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.

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.

• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Applying advanced diagnostic reasoning to quickly pinpoint life-threatening conditions amidst complex clinical pictures.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Performing source control measures for infections where appropriate in the ER setting, such as incision and drainage of abscesses.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Utilizing point-of-care testing (POCT) and bedside imaging to expedite diagnosis in critical and time-sensitive situations.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Fitzpatrick 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 Alberta (CPSA) 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 Fort McMurray is located within a major hospital in the neighborhood, conveniently situated near the hospital campus. It is accessible via local public transit serving the hospital and offers ample parking, including designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. The ER is a critical point for urgent medical care in the community, seamlessly integrated with comprehensive hospital services to address a wide range of health emergencies. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, ensuring timely and efficient care for residents of Fort McMurray and surrounding areas.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Fitzpatrick 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. Fitzpatrick, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Fitzpatrick 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. Fitzpatrick 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.

Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Fitzpatrick?

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Fitzpatrick 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 is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Fitzpatrick?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Fitzpatrick, is a physician specifically trained to provide immediate medical evaluation and treatment for a wide spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries, ranging from minor concerns to critical, life-threatening emergencies. Their core role involves rapid assessment (triage and diagnosis), stabilization of vital functions, performing necessary emergency procedures, and making crucial decisions about patient disposition (admission, transfer, or discharge). As a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, Dr. Fitzpatrick is highly skilled in managing the unpredictable and often high-pressure environment of the emergency department, working collaboratively with a team of nurses, technicians, and other specialists.

When should I see Dr. Fitzpatrick in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Fitzpatrick practices, is designed for urgent and emergency situations—conditions that require immediate medical intervention to prevent serious harm or death. Your family doctor, on the other hand, provides comprehensive primary care, including treatment for common illnesses, management of long-term health conditions, immunizations, and preventative screening. For problems that are not immediate emergencies, your family doctor can provide more personalized and continuous care. If you have a non-urgent issue, the ER may involve a long wait.

What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Fitzpatrick works?

To help Dr. Fitzpatrick and the ER staff provide the best care, please bring your government-issued health card. A list of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, is also vital. Knowing your allergies and any chronic health conditions or previous major surgeries will also help the team. If you regularly see other specialists, their contact information might also be useful.

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. Fitzpatrick as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

7 Hospital St
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 1P2

Hospital Main Line: (780) 791-6161

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Fitzpatrick is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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. Fitzpatrick or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Fitzpatrick's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=0cbdde7e-1470-4c48-8037-0367e3f281b4&i=470