Dr. Christopher Francis Mazza – Emergency Room Doctor | Saanichton, BC

Dr. Christopher Francis Mazza 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 Saanichton, BC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. 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. The hospital Emergency Department in Saanichton is situated within a major hospital in the neighborhood, easily accessible via local public transit serving the hospital. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, with hospital parking available, including designated spots for emergency access. Hospital signage guides patients to ER drop-off points and parking areas, ensuring efficient access. As a critical access point for urgent medical care, the Emergency Department works closely with comprehensive hospital services to ensure prompt and effective treatment for all.

He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in British Columbia. Dr. Mazza graduated with his MD from the University of Toronto in 1989 and is certified by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His medical education and ongoing professional development ensure that he maintains high standards of practice aligned with provincial and national guidelines, including those set by the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians.

Dr. Mazza’s professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and working as an integral part of a multidisciplinary ER team. He is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for the needs of his patients during urgent and emergent medical events. Fluent in English, he strives to ensure every patient receives attentive, respectful, and efficient emergency care in the community of Saanichton.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Application of established chest pain protocols to ensure efficient and effective care.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Mazza manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.

• COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms and when to seek further medical attention.

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Vigilant monitoring and supportive care for patients with severe infections, including fluid management and organ support.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Leading and coordinating resuscitation efforts for patients in cardiac arrest, shock, or severe respiratory distress.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Performing swift medical evaluations in the emergency setting to quickly ascertain the nature and severity of a patient's condition.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Mazza 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 Saanichton is located within a major hospital in the neighborhood, conveniently accessible from the hospital campus. It is well-served by local public transit, ensuring easy access for patients and visitors. The hospital's ER area is fully accessible, with clear signage directing patients to drop-off zones and parking facilities. Ample hospital parking is available, including designated spots for emergency access. The ER is a vital community resource, providing round-the-clock urgent care and seamlessly integrating with other hospital services to deliver comprehensive emergency medical support.

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

When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ card). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Mazza and the medical team if you can provide an accurate list of all medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), a list of any allergies you have, and details of any important past medical conditions or surgeries. If you are accompanying someone else, try to have this information for them.

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

Dr. Mazza, as a an Emergency Physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care., specializes in emergency medicine. This field focuses on the immediate decision-making and action necessary to prevent death or further disability both in the pre-hospital setting (by directing emergency medical services) and in the emergency department. Their primary focus is on diagnosing undifferentiated acute conditions, resuscitating and stabilizing patients who are critically ill or injured, providing pain relief and symptom control, and coordinating comprehensive care for a diverse patient population presenting with urgent medical needs.

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

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

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. Mazza 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 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. Mazza, 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.

2166 Mount Newton Cross Rd, Saanich Peninsula Hospital Emergency Department
Saanichton, BC V8M 2B2

Hospital Main Line: (250) 544-7676

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Mazza's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/380252/Mazza%2CChristopher