Dr. Alexis Cournoyer – Emergency Room Doctor | Montréal, QC

Dr. Alexis Cournoyer is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal in Montréal, QC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). He 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. Cournoyer holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 7 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2017. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in Québec, ensuring he remains current with the latest protocols and best practices in urgent care.

His professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Cournoyer is dedicated to evidence-based emergency medicine, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for the needs of those in acute distress. He provides emergency medical services fluently in French, committed to serving the diverse Montréal community with empathy and professionalism.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.
• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Rapid evaluation and risk stratification of patients presenting with chest pain to rule out or confirm life-threatening causes like acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina, or pulmonary embolism.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Cournoyer manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.

• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Diagnosis and initiation of treatment for lung infections, particularly severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) presenting with respiratory distress or sepsis.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Identifying and managing potential complications of PE, such as right heart strain.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Cournoyer manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Providing appropriate analgesia and ensuring follow-up for wound checks or suture removal.
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Careful assessment of neurovascular status distal to injuries to promptly identify and manage any compromise.
• 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.

• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Expertise in managing potential complications associated with sedative and analgesic medications.
• Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Comprehensive evaluation of patients with head trauma, including detailed neurological assessment (e.g., Glasgow Coma Scale) and adherence to clinical decision rules for CT imaging.
• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Administering tetanus prophylaxis and appropriate antibiotics for contaminated wounds or those at high risk of infection.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Interpreting initial CSF findings (e.g., cell count, glucose, protein) in the emergency setting to guide immediate treatment.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Providing analgesia and monitoring for complications post-procedure.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Cournoyer 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal is situated in the vibrant Montréal neighborhood of Cartierville North. The hospital's Emergency Department is centrally located within the facility, providing immediate access for urgent cases. The hospital is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), including Métro and Bus routes, ensuring convenient access for patients and visitors. The ER is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage directing to patient drop-off zones and parking facilities. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access, and visitors are advised to follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The Emergency Department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrating seamlessly with the hospital's comprehensive services to deliver prompt and effective care.

What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?

The triage nurse in the ER performs a crucial initial assessment to rapidly evaluate how serious your condition is. They will ask about your symptoms, check your vital signs (like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature), and assign you a triage level. This level dictates how quickly you need to be seen by an Emergency Room Doctor such as Dr. Cournoyer, ensuring that patients with life-threatening conditions receive immediate care. They are a key part of the ER team that ensures patient safety and efficient flow.

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

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Cournoyer 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. Cournoyer?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Cournoyer, 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 Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries., Dr. Cournoyer 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.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Cournoyer and the team follow. This system ensures that the sickest patients receive care first. Factors like the number of patients currently in the ER, the severity of their conditions, and the availability of treatment rooms and staff can all impact wait times. While it can be difficult to wait, please know that the emergency team is working hard to attend to every patient based on medical priority.

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

If you need to visit the ER, it's very helpful to bring your provincial health card and any other relevant insurance information. A complete list of your current medications (including name, dosage, and how often you take them), any known drug allergies, and a brief summary of your significant medical history (like major illnesses, past surgeries, or chronic conditions) can greatly assist Dr. Cournoyer and the ER team. If possible, also bring contact information for your family doctor. For children, their immunization record can be useful if it's readily available.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Cournoyer 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.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Cournoyer works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?

You should visit the ER for conditions that you believe could be life-threatening, limb-threatening, or could cause serious harm if not treated quickly. This includes symptoms like sudden severe pain (especially chest, abdominal, or head), difficulty breathing, suspected broken bones from a significant injury, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden changes in vision or neurological function, or if you've been advised to go by another healthcare provider. For less urgent concerns like mild colds, chronic pain management, or routine follow-ups, your family physician or a local urgent care/walk-in clinic is the better choice. ERs prioritize the most critical patients, meaning wait times for non-urgent issues can be considerable. The team, including Dr. Cournoyer, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal
5400 boul Gouin O
Montréal, QC H4J 1C5

Hospital Main Line: (514) 338-2222

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Cournoyer is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. 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. Cournoyer or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Cournoyer's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=17271