Dr. Jennifer Elaine Pritchard is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Edmonton, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Pritchard'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. She is skilled in 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.
Dr. Pritchard graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2007. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Room Doctor in Alberta. Her certifications include advanced training in emergency medicine, trauma management, and critical care, ensuring she is well-equipped to handle complex acute presentations. She maintains her credentials through ongoing education and adherence to provincial and national emergency medicine standards.
Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Pritchard prioritizes patient safety and advocates for patient needs in all acute care settings. She is dedicated to delivering comprehensive emergency care to the Edmonton community, ensuring timely interventions and clear communication in English to support patient understanding and comfort.
Dr. Jennifer Pritchard is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Pritchard manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Pritchard manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.
- COPD Exacerbation: Careful assessment for signs of respiratory failure and the need for supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support (non-invasive or invasive).
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Emergency treatment of tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Management of pneumonia complications such as empyema, lung abscess, significant pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Pritchard manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Concurrent assessment for associated injuries, particularly cervical spine trauma, in all patients with significant head injuries.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Evaluation and care for abrasions and puncture wounds, including foreign body assessment.
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.
- Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Assessment and management of abrasions, puncture wounds, avulsions, and minor to moderate thermal or chemical burns.
- Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms.
- 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).
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
- Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Performing closed reduction of simple dislocations, often under procedural sedation, to restore anatomical alignment.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Pritchard 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 is situated in Edmonton's Downtown East, within the Boyle Street and Riverdale neighbourhoods. It offers accessible, high-acuity care close to the ICE District, with convenient access via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including Light Rail Transit (LRT) and bus routes. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage directing to ER patient drop-off and parking. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access. The facility functions as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to support patient needs around the clock.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Pritchard 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. Pritchard, 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. Pritchard?
- An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Pritchard, is a physician specifically trained to provide immediate medical evaluation and treatment for a wide spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries, ranging from minor concerns to critical, life-threatening emergencies. Their core role involves rapid assessment (triage and diagnosis), stabilization of vital functions, performing necessary emergency procedures, and making crucial decisions about patient disposition (admission, transfer, or discharge). As a highly trained Emergency Room Doctor, Dr. Pritchard is skilled in managing the unpredictable and often high-pressure environment of the emergency department, working collaboratively with a team of nurses, technicians, and other specialists.
- 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. Pritchard as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Pritchard?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Pritchard, 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 see Dr. Pritchard in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Pritchard 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Pritchard 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. Pritchard and the ER team are there for true emergencies.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Pritchard 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. Pritchard 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.
10240 Kingsway NW, Room 541 CSC Building
Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9
Hospital Main Line: (780) 735-4449
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Pritchard is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor 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. Pritchard or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Pritchard's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=aef00dd0-eb68-4356-bf33-d5440a990c7e&i=1178