Dr. David Alexander Wood – Emergency Room Doctor | Fort McMurray, AB

Dr. David Alexander Wood 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 Fort McMurray, AB, 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 being seen based on the severity of their condition as determined by a triage process. The department is situated within a major hospital in Fort McMurray's neighborhood, conveniently accessible via local public transit serving the hospital. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Hospital signage guides patients to ER drop-off zones and parking areas, ensuring prompt access for those in urgent need. As a critical access point within the community, the ER provides comprehensive emergency services integrated with the hospital's broader medical and surgical care facilities.

Dr. Wood graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Toronto in 1995. He has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. His professional credentials reflect a strong foundation in emergency medicine, adhering to the standards and protocols set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). He maintains current certification and participates in ongoing professional development to stay abreast of advances in emergency care.

His professional philosophy centers on providing rapid, accurate assessment and effective management in critical situations. Dr. Wood is dedicated to delivering compassionate care under pressure, emphasizing patient safety and effective communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizes patient needs, and advocates for timely interventions that improve health outcomes. Fluent in English, he is committed to serving the community of Fort McMurray with a focus on high-quality, patient-centered emergency care.

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

• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Systematic and prioritized trauma assessment following Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols to rapidly identify and address immediate life-threatening conditions (e.g., airway obstruction, tension pneumothorax, massive hemorrhage).
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Facilitation of urgent referral to orthopedic specialists for complex fractures, open fractures, neurovascularly compromised injuries, or those requiring surgical intervention.
• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Evaluation and care for abrasions and puncture wounds, including foreign body assessment.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Wood manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.

• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Initial emergency management of acute coronary syndromes, including EKG interpretation, timely administration of aspirin and antiplatelet agents, cardiac biomarker assessment, and reperfusion strategies if indicated.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Emergency management of sudden worsening of chronic heart failure symptoms, typically presenting as severe shortness of breath (dyspnea), fluid overload (edema), and orthopnea.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Rapid diagnostic workup, often involving CT angiography, for patients with symptoms suggestive of life-threatening aortic conditions such as dissection or rupture.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Wood manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Treatment of life-threatening status asthmaticus, which may necessitate continuous nebulization, magnesium sulfate, or non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support.
• COPD Exacerbation: Management of acute worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by increased dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, often requiring bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, and antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Initiation of immediate management strategies to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and alleviate respiratory distress.

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.

• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Ordering and interpreting urgent laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis, cardiac markers, etc.) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds).
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Focusing on rapid alleviation of severe symptoms to improve patient comfort and facilitate further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Rapid recognition and differentiation of time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring prompt, often life-saving, intervention.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Providing emergency interventions for complications arising from long-term medical conditions, aiming to restore baseline health status.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Initiation of empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy for suspected or confirmed severe infections based on clinical presentation and local epidemiology.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Wood 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 in Fort McMurray is located within a major hospital in the community, providing critical access to urgent medical care. It is situated conveniently near the hospital campus, with accessible public transit options serving the area. The facility features fully accessible entrances and designated parking spots for emergency access, clearly marked by hospital signage to facilitate prompt arrival. The ER serves as a vital hub for urgent health issues, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals committed to delivering timely, compassionate emergency care to the community.

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

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Wood, 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 Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, Dr. Wood 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.

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

To help Dr. Wood and the ER staff provide the best care, please bring your government-issued health card. A list of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, is also vital. Knowing your allergies and any chronic health conditions or previous major surgeries will also help the team. If you regularly see other specialists, their contact information might also be useful.

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. Wood, 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.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Wood, to send a detailed summary of your ER visit to your designated family doctor, provided you share their contact information during registration. This report typically includes the reason for your visit, significant findings, any treatments administered, and recommendations for follow-up. This ensures continuity of care and keeps your family doctor informed about important changes in your health status. Following up with your family doctor after an ER visit is usually recommended.

7 Hospital St, 130 High St S
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 1P2

Hospital Main Line: (780) 791-6161

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Wood's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=17bb2eb3-fb47-4a87-8725-e43d3a102030&i=1572