Dr. Christian James Turner – Emergency Room Doctor | Victoria, BC

Dr. Christian James Turner is an experienced Emergency and Critical Care Physician, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Victoria, BC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Turner 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. He also brings expertise in critical care medicine, enhancing the management of severely ill patients in the ER. 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.

He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency and Critical Care Physician in BC. Dr. Turner graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary in 2010 and holds specialty certification as an Emergency and Critical Care Physician. His medical education and certifications ensure he is well-equipped to handle complex emergency cases and provide the highest standard of care in acute settings.

Dr. Turner’s professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and maintaining effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He is dedicated to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He delivers emergency care fluently in English and is committed to serving the Victoria community with dedication and professionalism.

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

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Turner manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Assessing severity of exacerbation using objective measures like peak expiratory flow rate.
• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Utilizing chest imaging and microbiological studies to confirm diagnosis and guide therapy.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

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

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

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

• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Effective coordination of the multidisciplinary trauma team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and nursing staff, to ensure timely and comprehensive care.
• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Educating patients on expected recovery times and rehabilitation strategies.
• 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.

• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Leading and coordinating resuscitation efforts for patients in cardiac arrest, shock, or severe respiratory distress.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Addressing acute deteriorations in patients with known chronic diseases, often requiring adjustment of their usual therapies.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Prompt and effective symptom control for distressing conditions such as severe nausea, vomiting, acute shortness of breath, or systemic allergic reactions.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Turner 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 is situated in the Fairfield East, Oaklands neighborhood. It is conveniently located near the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (Arena), accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients. Ample hospital parking is available, with designated spots for emergency access. Patients are advised to follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. This facility serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure rapid and effective treatment for a wide range of emergencies.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Turner 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. Turner and the ER team are there for true emergencies.

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. Turner 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.

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

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Turner 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 should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Turner 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. Turner 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. Turner in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Turner 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. Turner?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Turner, 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. Turner 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.

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. Turner is a licensed Emergency and Critical Care Physician 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. Turner or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Turner's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/335472/Turner%2CChristian