Dr. Jacob Lawson Wilkins – Emergency Room Doctor | Victoria, BC

Dr. Jacob Lawson Wilkins is an experienced Emergency Physician (FRCPC), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Victoria, BC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Wilkins 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 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 his MD from the University of Alberta in 2015 and has completed extensive postgraduate training. Dr. Wilkins holds the certification as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) and has acquired key certifications necessary to practice in British Columbia. His training and certifications ensure he is well-qualified to deliver expert emergency care aligned with national and provincial standards.

Dr. Wilkins is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based emergency care in a calm and competent manner. His professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, and adherence to the latest emergency medicine protocols. He prioritizes patient safety, advocates for patient needs in acute settings, and delivers care in English, ensuring clear communication and comfort for his patients. His commitment is to serve the community of Victoria with the highest standards of emergency medicine.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Wilkins manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Maintaining a high index of suspicion for these conditions in patients presenting with severe, tearing chest, back, or abdominal pain, or unexplained syncope.
• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Swift investigation and stabilization for patients with symptoms suggestive of ischemic heart disease.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Pulmonary Embolism: Providing patient education on anticoagulation and follow-up post-diagnosis.
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Providing patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and individualized asthma action plans upon discharge.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Interventions may include observation for small pneumothoraces, needle aspiration for symptomatic relief, or chest tube (thoracostomy) insertion for larger or tension pneumothoraces.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Wilkins manages providing urgent medical care for a wide spectrum of injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports, or violence, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.

• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Providing clear instructions for cast/splint care, weight-bearing status, and orthopedic follow-up.
• 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.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with head injuries, including detailed neurological assessment (e.g., GCS, cranial nerve exam) and application of clinical decision rules (e.g., Canadian CT Head Rule) to determine the need for CT imaging.

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.

• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.
• 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.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Employing rapid diagnostic tools and protocols to efficiently evaluate patients with urgent health concerns.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Wilkins 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

The Emergency Department is situated in Victoria's Fairfield East, Oaklands neighbourhood, conveniently accessible from downtown Victoria. The facility is easily reachable via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), with clear signage directing patients to ER access points. The hospital provides ample parking, including designated spots for emergency access, with directions to follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The Emergency Department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, seamlessly integrated with comprehensive hospital services. It operates 24/7 to ensure immediate care for life-threatening and urgent conditions, acting as a vital healthcare resource for residents and visitors alike.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

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

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Wilkins 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. Wilkins and the ER team are there for true emergencies.

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

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Wilkins 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.

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

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Wilkins, a an Emergency Physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care, 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.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Wilkins 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.

#325 1627 Fort St
Victoria, BC V8R 1H8

Hospital Main Line: (250) 479-6442

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Wilkins is a licensed Emergency Physician (FRCPC) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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. Wilkins or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Wilkins's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/344970/Wilkins%2CJacob