About
Dr. François Paquet is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis - CISSS-CA in Lévis, QC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring safe and effective care for all patients. Dr. Paquet specializes 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 efficiently within the fast-paced ER environment. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide urgent and life-threatening care, prioritizing patients based on the severity of their condition through a rigorous triage process.
He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as an Emergency Room Doctor since 1993, bringing over 31 years of dedicated experience. Dr. Paquet has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in Quebec, ensuring he remains current with the latest protocols and best practices in acute care.
Dr. Paquet’s 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. He is committed to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, always prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in urgent settings. He provides emergency medical services in French, ensuring clear and reassuring communication for his patients and their families.
Dr. François Paquet is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Paquet manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Stabilization of patients presenting with symptomatic or life-threatening tachyarrhythmias (e.g., VT, SVT) or bradyarrhythmias (e.g., complete heart block).
- 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. Paquet manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.
- COPD Exacerbation: Optimizing outpatient COPD management and providing smoking cessation advice to prevent future exacerbations.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Rapid diagnostic workup (e.g., Wells score, PERC rule, D-dimer testing, CT pulmonary angiography, or V/Q scan) for patients with suspected blood clots in the lungs (PE).
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Paquet manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms and when to seek further medical attention.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Administration of tetanus prophylaxis and consideration of antibiotics for contaminated wounds or those at high risk of infection, along with detailed wound care instructions.
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.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Expertise in diagnosing a broad spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries that present to the emergency department, including those with atypical presentations.
- Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Troubleshooting and managing potential complications of indwelling vascular catheters.
- Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Careful monitoring of patients undergoing procedural sedation for interventions such as fracture reductions, large abscess drainage, or electrical cardioversion.
- Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injury), including symptom assessment and providing patient education on cognitive/physical rest, recovery, and graduated return-to-activity/play.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Addressing acute deteriorations in patients with known chronic diseases, often requiring adjustment of their usual therapies.
- 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. Paquet 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.
Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis - CISSS-CA is situated in Lévis's Lévis Centre, Lauzon neighborhood. The hospital is easily accessible via Access to Autoroute 20 and is well-connected through the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis). The Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients and is designed to serve as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access, and signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking areas. The facility's strategic location ensures rapid access for those in need of immediate care, providing comprehensive hospital services in close proximity.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Paquet 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. Paquet and the ER team are there for true emergencies.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Paquet?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Paquet, 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.
- When should I see Dr. Paquet in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Paquet 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 should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Paquet 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. Paquet 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.
- 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. Paquet, 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.
Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis - CISSS-CA
143 rue Wolfe
Lévis, QC G6V 3Z1
Hospital Main Line: (418) 835-7121
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Paquet is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. 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. Paquet or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Paquet's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=93156