Dr. James Nevil Pattison-Bacon – Emergency Room Doctor | Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Dr. James Nevil Pattison-Bacon 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 Fort Saskatchewan, 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. Pattison-Bacon 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.

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. Pattison-Bacon has completed extensive post-graduate training and maintains all necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician in Alberta. His training ensures he is well-equipped to handle complex and critical cases with professionalism and expertise.

Dr. Pattison-Bacon’s professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety and advocating fiercely for patient needs in acute settings. Additionally, he communicates effectively in Afrikaans and English, enabling him to serve a diverse patient population in emergency situations. His dedication is to provide the community of Fort Saskatchewan with timely, compassionate, and expert emergency care.

Dr. James Pattison-Bacon 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. Pattison-Bacon manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.

• 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).
• 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.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Identifying and addressing potential underlying causes of acute severe hypertension and arranging appropriate follow-up.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Prompt diagnosis and emergency management of hemodynamically significant abnormal heart rhythms, including electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, or rate control strategies.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Emergency management of sudden worsening of chronic heart failure symptoms, typically presenting as severe shortness of breath (dyspnea), fluid overload (edema), and orthopnea.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Pattison-Bacon manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.

• Pulmonary Embolism: Risk stratification of PE to guide treatment intensity and disposition.
• 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.

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: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Prompt and effective symptom control for distressing conditions such as severe nausea, vomiting, acute shortness of breath, or systemic allergic reactions.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Identifying and initiating immediate management for critical conditions such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke (CVA), severe infections (sepsis), and acute respiratory failure.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Pattison-Bacon 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 at Fort Saskatchewan is located within a major hospital in Fort Saskatchewan, AB. It serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, situated conveniently near the hospital campus. The facility is easily accessible via local public transit serving the hospital and offers ample hospital parking with designated spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. The ER operates 24/7, staffed by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including Dr. Pattison-Bacon, to provide immediate care for urgent and life-threatening conditions. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, ensuring equitable access for individuals with mobility challenges. It plays a vital role in the community’s health infrastructure, integrating comprehensive hospital services to deliver timely, high-quality emergency care.

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

If you need to visit the ER, it's very helpful to bring your provincial health card and any other relevant insurance information. A complete list of your current medications (including name, dosage, and how often you take them), any known drug allergies, and a brief summary of your significant medical history (like major illnesses, past surgeries, or chronic conditions) can greatly assist Dr. Pattison-Bacon and the ER team. If possible, also bring contact information for your family doctor. For children, their immunization record can be useful if it's readily available.

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

Dr. Pattison-Bacon 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?

Wait times in the Emergency Room can fluctuate significantly due to several factors. The primary reason is the triage process: patients with the most severe and time-sensitive conditions are treated immediately. If many critically ill patients arrive simultaneously, or if the department is experiencing high patient volumes or staffing challenges, those with less acute problems may face longer waits. Dr. Pattison-Bacon and the ER staff understand that waiting can be frustrating and are committed to providing efficient care while ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients.

Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Pattison-Bacon?

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

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

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. Pattison-Bacon, 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.

9401 86 Ave
Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 0C6

Hospital Main Line: (780) 998-2256

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Pattison-Bacon 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. Pattison-Bacon or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Pattison-Bacon's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=a35ecee8-4789-42dc-9c42-c348103e9c97&i=1139