Dr. Douglas Lorne Richards – Emergency Room Doctor | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Douglas Lorne Richards 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 Hamilton, 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). Dr. Richards is skilled in 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 graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University (Canada) and has over 24 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor, practicing since 2000. Dr. Richards is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification ensure that he provides the highest standard of emergency care, utilizing the latest clinical protocols and evidence-based practices.

Dr. Richards’s professional philosophy is centered on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He prioritizes patient safety, advocates for patient needs in acute settings, and adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. His dedication to the community of Hamilton is reflected in his continuous efforts to deliver timely, effective, and empathetic emergency care. He communicates with patients in English and strives to make each encounter as reassuring and clear as possible.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• 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.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Coordination of immediate transfer to a facility with cardiothoracic surgical capabilities if necessary.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Prompt diagnosis and emergency management of hemodynamically significant abnormal heart rhythms, including electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, or rate control strategies.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• 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.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Richards manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.

• 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.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Initiating damage control resuscitation principles, including hemorrhage control, blood product administration, and prevention of hypothermia and coagulopathy.

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: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Life-saving intervention for tension pneumothorax or management of significant pleural collections causing respiratory compromise.
• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Skilled insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) for indications such as rapid fluid resuscitation, administration of vasoactive medications, or hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Providing clear instructions for cast/splint care and follow-up appointments.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Rapid evaluation, resuscitation, and stabilization of patients with single or multiple injuries from accidents, falls, assaults, or other traumatic events.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Richards 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 Hamilton is situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood. It is conveniently located near Mohawk College (Fennell Campus) and accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients and is designed to handle high-acuity cases with state-of-the-art facilities. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access; please follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. As a critical access point for urgent medical care, the Emergency Department serves as a vital resource for the community and integrates seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to provide timely, life-saving interventions.

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. Richards 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.

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

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Richards 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 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. Richards as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

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

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

Suite 205, 237 Barton Street East
Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2

Hospital Main Line: (905) 527-4322

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Richards's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Richards-Douglas-Lorne/0057353-68941