Dr. Damon Atrie – Emergency Room Doctor | Mississauga, ON

Dr. Damon Atrie 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 Mississauga, 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). His role focuses on 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.

Dr. Atrie graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada. With over 10 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor, he has been providing critical care since 2014. He 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 ensure that he delivers care aligned with the highest standards of emergency medicine practice, emphasizing patient safety, evidence-based treatment, and compassionate care under pressure.

His 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. Dr. Atrie is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He also communicates effectively in French, in addition to English, to serve the diverse patient population in the Mississauga community. His commitment is to provide timely, expert, and compassionate emergency care to those in need.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Atrie manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

• 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 Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Maintaining a high index of suspicion for these conditions in patients presenting with severe, tearing chest, back, or abdominal pain, or unexplained syncope.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Interventions may include observation for small pneumothoraces, needle aspiration for symptomatic relief, or chest tube (thoracostomy) insertion for larger or tension pneumothoraces.
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Providing patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and individualized asthma action plans upon discharge.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Atrie manages providing urgent medical care for a wide spectrum of injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports, or violence, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Initial management of first, second, and some third-degree thermal, chemical, or electrical burns, including cooling, pain control, and dressing application.
• 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.

• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Careful monitoring of patients undergoing procedural sedation for interventions such as fracture reductions, large abscess drainage, or electrical cardioversion.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Confirming tube placement and lung re-expansion with imaging.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Applying advanced diagnostic reasoning to quickly pinpoint life-threatening conditions amidst complex clinical pictures.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Atrie 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 Mississauga's City Centre, Square One Area, is situated within a modern hospital facility dedicated to urgent and emergent care. The department is easily accessible via public transit, including MiWay (Mississauga Transit), with convenient access to hospital parking. The hospital’s ER is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage directing visitors to ER patient drop-off points and parking areas. Located in close proximity to Mississauga Celebration Square, the ER serves as a critical access point for the community’s urgent medical needs and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure seamless patient care in times of crisis.

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

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

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

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

Dr. Atrie, as a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, 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.

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

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Atrie 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.

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

Floor #2, 601-89 Queensway W
Mississauga, ON L5B 2V2

Hospital Main Line: (905) 281-9898

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Atrie's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Atrie-Damon/0257322-91136