About
Dr. Jean Lapointe is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at CHA-Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis, Urgence in Lévis, QC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that his practice meets the highest professional and ethical standards. His 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 emergency procedures when necessary, 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, with patients being seen based on the severity of their condition as determined by a triage process.
Dr. Lapointe holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 36 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 1988. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in Quebec. His certifications ensure that he is well-equipped with the latest knowledge and skills required for effective emergency care, maintaining his competence through ongoing professional development.
Driven by a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, Dr. Lapointe provides compassionate care under pressure, prioritizing patient safety at all times. He values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adhering strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. His philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, advocating for the needs of each individual in acute settings. Providing emergency medical services in French, Dr. Lapointe is dedicated to serving the community of Lévis with professionalism and compassion.
Dr. Jean Lapointe is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Lapointe manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Rapid evaluation and risk stratification of patients presenting with chest pain to rule out or confirm life-threatening causes like acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina, or pulmonary embolism.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Lapointe manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Utilizing chest imaging and microbiological studies to confirm diagnosis and guide therapy.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with sudden or severe difficulty breathing to rapidly determine the underlying physiological cause.
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Diagnosis and management of a collapsed lung (air in the pleural space), which can be spontaneous or result from trauma.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Lapointe 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: 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.
- 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.
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.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Applying advanced diagnostic reasoning to quickly pinpoint life-threatening conditions amidst complex clinical pictures.
- Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Systematic primary and secondary trauma surveys (following ATLS principles) to identify and address life-threatening injuries promptly.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
- Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Maintaining sterility and adhering to best practices for central and arterial line insertion and care.
- Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Surgical skill in performing chest tube insertion and managing the drainage system.
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Performing diagnostic lumbar punctures to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the analysis and diagnosis of suspected central nervous system infections (meningitis, encephalitis), subarachnoid hemorrhage, or certain neurological conditions.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Lapointe 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.
CHA-Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis, Urgence is situated in Lévis's Lévis Centre neighborhood, specifically in the Lauzon area. The facility is easily accessible from Traverse Québec-Lévis (Ferry Terminal) and is well connected by the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis). The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage directing visitors to ER entry and parking. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access, ensuring prompt arrival for urgent cases. Follow the hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. As a critical access point for urgent medical care, the ER operates 24/7, serving as a vital component of the hospital's comprehensive health services for the community of Lévis.
- When should I see Dr. Lapointe in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Lapointe 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.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Lapointe?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Lapointe 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. Lapointe 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. Lapointe, 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. Lapointe, 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.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Lapointe 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. Lapointe 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.
CHA-Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis, Urgence
143 rue Wolfe
Lévis, QC G6V 3Z1
Hospital Main Line: (418) 835-7122
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Lapointe 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. Lapointe or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Lapointe's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=88319