Dr. Hendrik Johannes Faul – Emergency Room Doctor | Medicine Hat, AB

Dr. Hendrik Johannes Faul 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 Medicine Hat, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring safe and effective care. Dr. Faul's role involves 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.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from South Africa and holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM). Dr. Faul also holds certifications including CCFP - Family Medicine, LMCC, and CCFP(EM) - Certification from the Canadian College of Family Physicians in Emergency Medicine. His comprehensive training enables him to deliver expert urgent care, manage complex emergencies, and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.

Driven by a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, Dr. Faul provides compassionate care under pressure. He emphasizes effective teamwork and communication within the ER, adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, and prioritizes patient safety. Additionally, he speaks Afrikaans fluently, allowing him to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population in emergency situations. His professional philosophy centers on providing timely, safe, and compassionate emergency care to the community of Medicine Hat.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Utilizing advanced EKG interpretation skills for accurate arrhythmia diagnosis.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Aggressive and protocol-driven management of severe asthma attacks, including frequent administration of inhaled bronchodilators (beta-agonists and anticholinergics), systemic corticosteroids, and supplemental oxygen.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Risk stratification of PE to guide treatment intensity and disposition.

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.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Ordering and interpreting urgent laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis, cardiac markers, etc.) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds).
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Faul 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 Medicine Hat is situated in the Downtown Medicine Hat neighborhood, near SE Hill and River Flats. It is conveniently accessible via Medicine Hat Transit, with clear signage directing patients to ER parking and drop-off zones. The hospital’s Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients and features designated parking spots for emergency access. The facility is a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, seamlessly integrated with comprehensive hospital services to support urgent and emergent health needs. The ER is designed to serve as a high-acuity care environment, ensuring rapid response and treatment in a welcoming setting. The hospital's proximity to the Cultural Centre (Library, Theatre) makes it an accessible and integral part of the community’s health infrastructure, providing 24/7 emergency services to residents of Medicine Hat and surrounding areas.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Faul 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.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Faul 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. Faul, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ card). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Faul and the medical team if you can provide an accurate list of all medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), a list of any allergies you have, and details of any important past medical conditions or surgeries. If you are accompanying someone else, try to have this information for them.

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. Faul, 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. Faul?

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Faul in the Emergency Room, a report of your visit is generally forwarded to your primary care physician, especially if follow-up care or medication adjustments are necessary. To facilitate this, please make sure the ER registration staff have the correct contact details for your family doctor.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Faul 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. Faul, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

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

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Faul, an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. They are experts at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. They manage everything from severe trauma and cardiac arrests to less critical but still urgent issues, ensuring patients are stabilized and receive appropriate next steps in their care.

666 5 St SW
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4H6

Hospital Main Line: (403) 529-8053

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Faul's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=242b1638-ecec-4b1b-b535-3f6e2e6c00c6&i=456