Dr. Harmandeep Sidhu – Emergency Room Doctor | St. Albert, AB

Dr. Harmandeep Sidhu is an experienced Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in St. Albert, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Sidhu 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.

She completed her medical education with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of British Columbia in 2016. She holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) after extensive postgraduate training and successful certification exams. Dr. Sidhu has obtained key certifications necessary for practicing emergency medicine in Alberta, ensuring her practice aligns with provincial standards and best practices.

Dr. Sidhu’s professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure. She values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team and strictly adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. Her focus is on prioritizing patient safety, advocating for patient needs in acute settings, and delivering care with professionalism and empathy. She also communicates fluently in Punjabi and English, which helps her serve a diverse patient population effectively in emergency situations.

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

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

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

• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Providing advice on the principles of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and appropriate analgesia for acute soft tissue injuries.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Leading or playing a key role in the initial resuscitation, assessment, and stabilization of patients who have sustained multiple severe injuries (polytrauma).

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Identifying and addressing potential underlying causes of acute severe hypertension and arranging appropriate follow-up.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Coordination of immediate transfer to a facility with cardiothoracic surgical capabilities if necessary.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Sidhu manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Providing patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and individualized asthma action plans upon discharge.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Diagnosis and management of a collapsed lung (air in the pleural space), which can be spontaneous or result from trauma.
• 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.

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: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Focusing on rapid alleviation of severe symptoms to improve patient comfort and facilitate further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Initiation of empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy for suspected or confirmed severe infections based on clinical presentation and local epidemiology.
• 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.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Managing acute flare-ups of chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, diabetes (e.g., DKA, HHS), or sickle cell crisis.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Sidhu 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 Alberta (CPSA) 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 St. Albert's neighborhood is situated within the local hospital, offering immediate access for urgent medical needs. Located conveniently near Costco and accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT) (Local & Commuter to Edmonton), the facility is easily reachable by public transportation. The hospital's parking lot includes designated spots for emergency access, with clear signage directing ER patient drop-off and parking. The Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, providing a critical access point for urgent care within the community. It is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to support a wide range of medical emergencies and ongoing patient care needs.

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

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

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. Sidhu as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

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

Dr. Sidhu 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.

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. Sidhu 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.

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

To help Dr. Sidhu 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.

301-200 Boudreau Rd
St. Albert, AB T8N 6B9

Hospital Main Line: (780) 418-8200

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Sidhu is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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. Sidhu or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Sidhu's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=3722da05-570d-4573-86b6-69fef28b7d88&i=1335