Dr. Charles Lamfookon – Emergency Room Doctor | Cornwall, ON

Dr. Charles Lamfookon is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Cornwall, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Lamfookon 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 urgent and life-threatening care, with patients seen based on the severity of their condition as determined by a triage process.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Canada). With over 9 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2015, he has developed a deep expertise in emergency medicine. Dr. Lamfookon is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certifications underpin his ability to provide comprehensive emergency care in a variety of complex scenarios.

Dr. Lamfookon'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 committed to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs during acute care. Additionally, he communicates fluently in both English and French, allowing him to serve a diverse patient population in emergency situations effectively. His dedication to community health in Cornwall is reflected in his compassionate approach and unwavering commitment to delivering timely, effective emergency medical services.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Lamfookon manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Stabilization of patients presenting with symptomatic or life-threatening tachyarrhythmias (e.g., VT, SVT) or bradyarrhythmias (e.g., complete heart block).
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Lamfookon manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.

• COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Providing patient education on anticoagulation and follow-up post-diagnosis.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

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

• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Providing advice on the principles of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and appropriate analgesia for acute soft tissue injuries.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with head injuries, including detailed neurological assessment (e.g., GCS, cranial nerve exam) and application of clinical decision rules (e.g., Canadian CT Head Rule) to determine the need for CT imaging.
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Effective initial pain management, timely closed reduction of simple joint dislocations (often under procedural sedation), and appropriate immobilization using splints, casts, or slings to protect the injured area.

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.

• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Skilled insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) for indications such as rapid fluid resuscitation, administration of vasoactive medications, or hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients.
• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Safe and effective administration of sedative and analgesic medications to facilitate patient comfort and cooperation during uncomfortable or painful procedures in the ER.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.
• 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.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Managing potential complications like post-LP headache.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Lamfookon 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 Ontario (CPSO) 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 Cornwall is situated within a major hospital in Cornwall, ON, conveniently located near the hospital campus. It is easily accessible via local public transit serving the hospital and offers ample hospital parking, including designated spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking areas. The Emergency Department is a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, providing comprehensive services in a modern, high-acuity environment. It seamlessly integrates with other hospital departments and specialty services to ensure timely and efficient patient care.

What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Lamfookon?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Lamfookon, 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. Lamfookon 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?

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

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. Lamfookon 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 see Dr. Lamfookon in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

Dr. Lamfookon 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. Lamfookon 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. Lamfookon, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

840 McConnell Ave
Cornwall, ON K6H 5S5

Hospital Main Line: (613) 938-4240

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Lamfookon is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. 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. Lamfookon or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Lamfookon's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Lamfookon-Charles/0258406-91039