Dr. Garret Francis Pulle – Emergency Room Doctor | Toronto, ON

Dr. Garret Francis Pulle is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. Dr. Pulle adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He 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.

Dr. Pulle graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada and has over 11 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2013. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure he remains current with the latest emergency medicine practices and protocols.

Dr. Pulle’s professional philosophy emphasizes 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 dedicated to evidence-based emergency medicine, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He delivers emergency care in English, committed to serving the community of Toronto with professionalism and compassion.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Identifying and addressing potential underlying causes of acute severe hypertension and arranging appropriate follow-up.
• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Application of established chest pain protocols to ensure efficient and effective care.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Stabilization of patients with decompensated heart failure using intravenous diuretics, vasodilators, supplemental oxygen, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation if required.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Pulle manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Providing patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and individualized asthma action plans upon discharge.
• COPD Exacerbation: Identifying and addressing potential triggers for the exacerbation, such as respiratory infections or environmental exposures.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Identifying underlying lung conditions (e.g., blebs, bullae, COPD) that may predispose to spontaneous pneumothorax.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

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

• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Effective initial pain management, timely closed reduction of simple joint dislocations (often under procedural sedation), and appropriate immobilization using splints, casts, or slings to protect the injured area.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Effective coordination of the multidisciplinary trauma team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and nursing staff, to ensure timely and comprehensive care.
• 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.

• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
• 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.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Implementing Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) interventions as required.
• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Troubleshooting and managing potential complications of indwelling vascular catheters.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Systematic primary and secondary trauma surveys (following ATLS principles) to identify and address life-threatening injuries promptly.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Pulle 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.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is situated in Toronto's Downsview Central neighbourhood, serving as a vital healthcare hub for the community. The hospital's Emergency Department is located within a modern, fully accessible facility that provides comprehensive urgent medical care. The ER is easily accessible via public transportation, including TTC services such as subway, streetcar, and bus routes. Patients arriving by car can utilize designated hospital parking spots, with clear signage directing to ER patient drop-off zones and parking facilities. The hospital is equipped to handle high-acuity cases and is staffed 24/7 by a dedicated team of emergency medicine professionals. As a critical access point for urgent medical needs, the ER seamlessly integrates with other hospital services to ensure timely and effective patient care.

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

Dr. Pulle 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.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Pulle works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?

You should visit the ER for conditions that you believe could be life-threatening, limb-threatening, or could cause serious harm if not treated quickly. This includes symptoms like sudden severe pain (especially chest, abdominal, or head), difficulty breathing, suspected broken bones from a significant injury, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden changes in vision or neurological function, or if you've been advised to go by another healthcare provider. For less urgent concerns like mild colds, chronic pain management, or routine follow-ups, your family physician or a local urgent care/walk-in clinic is the better choice. ERs prioritize the most critical patients, meaning wait times for non-urgent issues can be considerable. The team, including Dr. Pulle, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

Dr. Pulle, as a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, 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?

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. Pulle, 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. Pulle?

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

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. Pulle 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.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
1235 Wilson Avenue, Emergency Department
Toronto, ON M3M 0B2

Hospital Main Line: (416) 242-1000

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Pulle's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Pulle-Garret-Francis/0250198-89377