About
Dr. Curtis Campbell is an experienced Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Edmonton, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Campbell's 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 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 Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. Dr. Campbell graduated with his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Manitoba in 2003. His training and certification process ensure he is well-equipped to handle a wide variety of urgent health issues, emphasizing patient safety and evidence-based emergency medicine practices.
Dr. Campbell's professional philosophy centers on 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 dedicated to delivering prompt, clear, and effective emergency care to the community of Edmonton, always prioritizing patient needs and safety. He delivers emergency care in English and remains committed to continuous learning and improvement in emergency medicine standards.
Dr. Curtis Campbell is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Campbell manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Initiating damage control resuscitation principles, including hemorrhage control, blood product administration, and prevention of hypothermia and coagulopathy.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Prompt recognition and stabilization of patients with more severe traumatic brain injuries (e.g., intracranial hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury), including measures to manage increased intracranial pressure and rapid coordination with neurosurgical and critical care teams.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Meticulous cleaning, assessment of depth and contamination, and appropriate repair of skin wounds, including suturing, stapling, or application of tissue adhesives.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Campbell manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Rapid evaluation and risk stratification of patients presenting with chest pain to rule out or confirm life-threatening causes like acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina, or pulmonary embolism.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Campbell manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.
- Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Treatment of life-threatening status asthmaticus, which may necessitate continuous nebulization, magnesium sulfate, or non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Management of pneumonia complications such as empyema, lung abscess, significant pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
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.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Utilizing a multimodal approach to pain management, including regional nerve blocks and procedural sedation when appropriate for the emergency setting.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Identifying and initiating immediate management for critical conditions such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke (CVA), severe infections (sepsis), and acute respiratory failure.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Campbell 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.
The Emergency Department is located in Edmonton's SE: Mill Woods South (Sakaw, Menisa) neighborhood. It is situated close to the Living History Museum and easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including Light Rail Transit (LRT) and bus routes. The hospital's 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, integrating seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to ensure timely and effective treatment for all emergencies.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Campbell?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Campbell 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 is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Campbell?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Campbell, a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions., is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. They are experts at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. They manage everything from severe trauma and cardiac arrests to less critical but still urgent issues, ensuring patients are stabilized and receive appropriate next steps in their care.
- When should I see Dr. Campbell in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Campbell 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 should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Campbell 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. Campbell 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.
- 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. Campbell 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.
- 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. Campbell, 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 go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Campbell 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. Campbell, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.
1100 Youville Drive West NW
Edmonton, AB T6L 5X8
Hospital Main Line: (780) 735-7180
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Campbell is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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. Campbell or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Campbell's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=03d5f764-7589-4dd4-a582-d346df36f331&i=239