Dr. Caley Elizabeth Flynn – Emergency Room Doctor | Victoria, BC

Dr. Caley Elizabeth Flynn 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 Victoria, BC, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her 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.

She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in BC. Dr. Flynn graduated with her MD from the University of British Columbia in 2012 and has since dedicated herself to emergency medicine, continually updating her skills and knowledge to stay current with best practices in acute care.

Driven by a professional philosophy centered on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, Dr. Flynn is committed to providing compassionate care even under pressure. She values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adhering strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. Her focus remains on prioritizing patient safety, advocating for patient needs in acute settings, and delivering emergency care in English. Her dedication ensures that the community of Victoria receives timely, competent, and compassionate emergency medical services.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Flynn manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.

• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Comprehensive assessment of various etiologies of chest discomfort presenting to the ER, differentiating cardiac from non-cardiac causes.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Identifying and treating precipitating factors for heart failure decompensation.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Providing patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and individualized asthma action plans upon discharge.
• COPD Exacerbation: Identifying and addressing potential triggers for the exacerbation, such as respiratory infections or environmental exposures.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Flynn manages providing urgent medical care for a wide spectrum of injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports, or violence, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.

• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Assessment and management of bruises (contusions), collections of blood in tissues (hematomas), and ligamentous sprains or muscle/tendon strains.
• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Evaluation and care for abrasions and puncture wounds, including foreign body assessment.

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.

• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Administration of appropriate analgesics (opioid and non-opioid) and adjunctive medications to alleviate acute pain from injuries or medical conditions.
• 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.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Vigilant monitoring and supportive care for patients with severe infections, including fluid management and organ support.
• 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).
• 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.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Flynn 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 Victoria's Fairfield East, Oaklands neighbourhood is situated within a modern hospital facility designed to provide urgent and high-acuity care. Easily accessible from the Inner Harbour Causeway, the department is well-connected via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The hospital parking lot offers designated spots for emergency access, with clear signage directing ER patient drop-off and parking. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, ensuring barrier-free entry. As a critical access point for urgent medical care in the community, the Emergency Department operates 24/7, equipped with comprehensive hospital services to address a wide range of medical emergencies in a safe and efficient environment.

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. Flynn 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.

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

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Flynn 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 is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Flynn?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Flynn, 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 certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care, Dr. Flynn 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.

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. Flynn, 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.

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

325-1627 Fort St
Victoria, BC V8R 1H8

Hospital Main Line: (250) 479-1442

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Flynn 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. Flynn or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Flynn's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333438/Flynn%2CCaley