Dr. Emma Louise Wyatt – Emergency Room Doctor | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Emma Louise Wyatt is a specialized Pediatric Emergency Physician, dedicated to providing immediate medical care for infants, children, and adolescents in acute distress. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Hamilton, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She focuses on rapidly diagnosing and treating a wide range of urgent pediatric conditions, from common childhood illnesses and injuries to life-threatening emergencies. Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate assessment, family-centered communication, and minimizing distress for young patients and their families.

With a solid foundation in medical education, Dr. Wyatt graduated with a Medical Degree from The University of Western Australia Faculty of Medicine. She has accumulated over 6 years of experience as a Pediatric Emergency Physician since 2018. She is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist, ensuring her adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing clinical excellence.

Dr. Wyatt’s professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork within the multidisciplinary ER environment. She is committed to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for the needs of children and their families during urgent medical events. She delivers emergency care in English, maintaining a family-centered approach to pediatric emergency care and minimizing distress for children and their families during emergencies.

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

Specific Pediatric Emergencies

Dr. Wyatt manages handling acute medical conditions that are uniquely prevalent or present differently in infants, children, and adolescents, requiring specialized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

• Febrile Seizures in Children: Focusing on identifying and treating the source of fever.
• Accidental Ingestions and Poisonings in Children: Providing initial emergency management for children who have ingested potentially toxic substances, medications, household products, or foreign objects.
• Acute Respiratory Distress in Infants and Children (e.g., Croup, Bronchiolitis, Foreign Body Aspiration): Emergency management of common pediatric respiratory illnesses causing significant breathing difficulty, such as viral croup (laryngotracheobronchitis), bronchiolitis, or suspected foreign body aspiration.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Wyatt manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.

• 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.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Urgent management of severely elevated blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) associated with evidence of acute or ongoing end-organ damage (e.g., encephalopathy, stroke, myocardial ischemia, acute kidney injury).

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Assessing severity of exacerbation using objective measures like peak expiratory flow rate.
• 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.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Identifying underlying lung conditions (e.g., blebs, bullae, COPD) that may predispose to spontaneous pneumothorax.

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.

• Assessment and Management of Acutely Ill or Injured Children: Recognizing subtle signs of serious illness in children, who may present differently than adults.
• 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.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• 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: Employing rapid diagnostic tools and protocols to efficiently evaluate patients with urgent health concerns.
• 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. Wyatt 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's Westdale neighborhood, situated near Ainslie Wood (McMaster University area), serves as a vital hub for urgent pediatric and adult medical care. Easily accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), the facility is conveniently located close to Jackson Square shopping and other community amenities. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking areas. As a high-acuity care environment, the ER operates 24/7, providing comprehensive urgent care services and acting as a critical access point for the community’s urgent medical needs. It is integrated with the hospital’s broader healthcare services, ensuring seamless patient care and transfer pathways when necessary.

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

Dr. Wyatt, as a a Pediatric Emergency Physician specially trained to care for acutely ill or injured children., 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. Wyatt as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

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

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. Wyatt 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 see Dr. Wyatt in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

Dr. Wyatt and the Emergency Room team are best equipped to handle acute, severe, or potentially life-threatening medical conditions. For ongoing care, management of chronic illnesses (unless there's an acute exacerbation), routine check-ups, preventative health measures, prescription refills for stable conditions, and non-urgent health concerns, your family doctor is the most appropriate healthcare provider. They offer continuity of care and have a comprehensive understanding of your overall health history. If your condition is not an emergency, consulting your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is generally recommended.

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

To help Dr. Wyatt 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.

Does the Emergency Room where Dr. Wyatt works provide specialized care for children?

Absolutely. As a a Pediatric Emergency Physician specially trained to care for acutely ill or injured children., Dr. Wyatt focuses on the emergency medical needs of children, from newborns to teenagers. The ER environment and protocols are adapted to provide the best possible care for pediatric emergencies.

1280 Main St W, HSC 2N49I
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1

Hospital Main Line: (905) 521-2100

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Wyatt is a licensed Pediatric Emergency Physician 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. Wyatt or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Wyatt's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Wyatt-Emma-Louise/0256254-91500