Dr. Caroline Hosatte-Ducassy – Emergency Room Doctor | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Dr. Caroline Hosatte-Ducassy 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 Haut-Richelieu in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). 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. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide urgent and life-threatening care, prioritizing patients based on the severity of their conditions as determined through a triage process.

Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over four years of dedicated experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2020. She has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds all necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, ensuring she remains current with the latest practices and protocols in emergency medicine.

Her professional philosophy is rooted in providing rapid and accurate assessments in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. She is committed to evidence-based emergency medicine practices, always prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy provides emergency medical services fluently in French, ensuring clear communication with her diverse patient population.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• COPD Exacerbation: Careful assessment for signs of respiratory failure and the need for supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support (non-invasive or invasive).
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with sudden or severe difficulty breathing to rapidly determine the underlying physiological cause.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Administration of tetanus prophylaxis and consideration of antibiotics for contaminated wounds or those at high risk of infection, along with detailed wound care instructions.
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Accurate diagnosis of bone fractures and joint dislocations using thorough physical examination, patient history, and appropriate imaging studies (X-rays, occasionally CT or ultrasound).

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: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
• Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injury), including symptom assessment and providing patient education on cognitive/physical rest, recovery, and graduated return-to-activity/play.
• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Often utilizing ultrasound guidance to improve success rates and reduce complications during vascular access procedures.
• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Utilizing established protocols and reversal agents as needed to ensure patient safety during and after PSA.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Performing diagnostic lumbar punctures to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the analysis and diagnosis of suspected central nervous system infections (meningitis, encephalitis), subarachnoid hemorrhage, or certain neurological conditions.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Utilizing point-of-care testing (POCT) and bedside imaging to expedite diagnosis in critical and time-sensitive situations.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy 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 Haut-Richelieu is situated in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu's Saint-Jean Sector North neighborhood, conveniently accessible from Vieux-Iberville. The hospital is easily reached via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu, with the Emergency Department fully accessible to all patients. Hospital parking is available, with designated spots for emergency access. Patients are guided by hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure timely treatment of urgent and emergent health issues.

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. Hosatte-Ducassy 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.

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

The Emergency Room is for serious or life-threatening medical conditions that require immediate attention. Examples include: severe chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, signs of a stroke (like sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking), major injuries or uncontrolled bleeding, severe allergic reactions, high fever with confusion, or loss of consciousness. For non-urgent issues, minor illnesses, medication refills, or routine check-ups, your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is usually more appropriate. If you're unsure about the severity of your condition, it's often best to err on the side of caution and seek emergency care or call your provincial telehealth line for advice. Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy and the ER team are there for true emergencies.

What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy, 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 highly trained Emergency Room Doctor, she is 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. Hosatte-Ducassy, 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.

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

Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy 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.

Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy?

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy, 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. Hosatte-Ducassy works?

To help Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy 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.

Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu
920 boul du Séminaire N
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3A 1B7

Hospital Main Line: (450) 359-5000

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy 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. Hosatte-Ducassy or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Hosatte-Ducassy's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=20766