Dr. David Milton Ariano – Emergency Room Doctor | Fort McMurray, AB

Dr. David Milton Ariano 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. He adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Ariano's role focuses on the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across all age groups. This includes managing time-sensitive situations, performing necessary emergency procedures, and effectively coordinating care within the fast-paced ER environment. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide urgent and life-threatening care, prioritizing patients based on severity determined through a rigorous triage process.

He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 1995 and holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM). Dr. Ariano has completed extensive postgraduate training and possesses all necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. His certifications and ongoing education ensure he remains current with the latest emergency medicine practices and protocols, enabling him to provide the highest standard of care in urgent situations.

Driven by a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, Dr. Ariano provides compassionate care under pressure. He emphasizes effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adhering strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. His professional philosophy prioritizes patient safety, thorough evaluation, and advocacy for his patients’ needs in acute settings. He delivers emergency care fluently in English and is dedicated to serving the community of Fort McMurray with integrity and professionalism.

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

• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Diagnosis and initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injuries), emphasizing patient and family education regarding symptoms, expected recovery course, cognitive and physical rest, and criteria for graduated return-to-play/activity/school.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Initiating damage control resuscitation principles, including hemorrhage control, blood product administration, and prevention of hypothermia and coagulopathy.
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Careful assessment of neurovascular status distal to injuries to promptly identify and manage any compromise.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Ariano manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Identifying and treating potential underlying causes or triggers of acute cardiac rhythm disturbances, such as electrolyte imbalances or ischemia.
• 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.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.
• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Selection of appropriate empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy based on severity, risk factors, and local pathogen susceptibility patterns, along with supportive care.

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: 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Ariano 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 at the major hospital in Fort McMurray is situated within a prominent healthcare facility accessible from the hospital campus. The hospital is conveniently reachable via local public transit serving the hospital, which offers easy access to patients and visitors. The ER is part of a comprehensive hospital complex that provides a wide range of medical services, including laboratory, radiology, and specialty care, ensuring seamless coordination for urgent cases. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs ER patient drop-off and parking areas, facilitating quick and efficient entry. This ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, playing a vital role in delivering lifesaving interventions and stabilizing patients before further treatment or transfer.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Ariano, 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.

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

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

To help Dr. Ariano 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.

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. Ariano 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 primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Ariano?

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Ariano, 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.

7 Hospital St, Northern Lights Regional Health Centre
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 1P2

Hospital Main Line: (780) 791-6161

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Ariano's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=fbb34947-1c4c-455d-8207-b361982454ed&i=100