About
Dr. Gilles Lortie is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis - CISSS Chaudière-Applaches in Lévis, QC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). His primary focus is on 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. Lortie holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 32 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 1992. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in Quebec, including licensure from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). His dedication to continuous professional development ensures that he stays current with the latest advancements and best practices in emergency medicine.
His professional philosophy revolves around providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Lortie is committed to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He provides emergency medical services in French, ensuring clear communication with the diverse community of Lévis and surrounding areas.
Dr. Gilles Lortie is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Lortie manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Coordination of immediate transfer to a facility with cardiothoracic surgical capabilities if necessary.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Application of established chest pain protocols to ensure efficient and effective care.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Lortie manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Risk stratification of PE to guide treatment intensity and disposition.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Diagnosis and initiation of treatment for lung infections, particularly severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) presenting with respiratory distress or sepsis.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Lortie manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Facilitation of urgent referral to orthopedic specialists for complex fractures, open fractures, neurovascularly compromised injuries, or those requiring surgical intervention.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Systematic and prioritized trauma assessment following Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols to rapidly identify and address immediate life-threatening conditions (e.g., airway obstruction, tension pneumothorax, massive hemorrhage).
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.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Providing emergency interventions for complications arising from long-term medical conditions, aiming to restore baseline health status.
- Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Maintaining sterility and adhering to best practices for central and arterial line insertion and care.
- 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.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Leading and coordinating resuscitation efforts for patients in cardiac arrest, shock, or severe respiratory distress.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Lortie 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.
Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis - CISSS Chaudière-Applaches is situated in Lévis's Lévis Centre, Lauzon neighborhood. The hospital is conveniently accessible from Forts-de-Lévis National Historic Site, with easy access via Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis). The Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with hospital parking available and designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs visitors to ER patient drop-off and parking areas. The facility serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure prompt and effective treatment for all emergencies.
- When should I see Dr. Lortie in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Lortie 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.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Lortie?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Lortie, 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 go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Lortie works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?
- Deciding between the ER and other care options depends on severity. The Emergency Room is the correct place for acute, potentially severe conditions like difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of a stroke, major trauma, severe allergic reactions, or uncontrolled bleeding. For ongoing health issues, minor ailments, or routine care, your family doctor offers continuity. Walk-in clinics can handle less severe acute issues. Dr. Lortie and the ER staff are prepared for urgent and life-threatening situations; using the ER appropriately helps ensure timely care for those who need it most. If in doubt about a serious condition, seek emergency assessment.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Lortie practices, utilize a triage system. This means patients are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather based on the severity and urgency of their medical condition. Patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses (like heart attacks, strokes, or major trauma) are always prioritized and seen first. This can result in longer wait times for those with less urgent conditions, especially during peak hours or when the ER is managing multiple critically ill patients. The entire ER team, including Dr. Lortie, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.
- 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. Lortie, 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.
Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis - CISSS Chaudière-Applaches
143 rue Wolfe
Lévis, QC G6V 3Z1
Hospital Main Line: (418) 835-7121
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Lortie 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. Lortie or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Lortie's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=92134