About
Dr. Jessica Liddle 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 Edmonton, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Her 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.
Dr. Liddle graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2010. She has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. Her certifications include advanced training in emergency medicine and ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and evidence-based protocols.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring patient safety at all times. Dr. Liddle values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team and adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. She is dedicated to advocating for her patients' needs and delivering exceptional emergency care in English to the diverse community of Edmonton.
Dr. Jessica Liddle 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. Liddle manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.
- Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Educating patients on expected recovery times and rehabilitation strategies.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Accurate diagnosis of bone fractures and joint dislocations using thorough physical examination, patient history, and appropriate imaging studies (X-rays, occasionally CT or ultrasound).
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Liddle manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Coordination of immediate transfer to a facility with cardiothoracic surgical capabilities if necessary.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Swift investigation and stabilization for patients with symptoms suggestive of ischemic heart disease.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Stabilization of patients with decompensated heart failure using intravenous diuretics, vasodilators, supplemental oxygen, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation if required.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Liddle manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Selection of appropriate empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy based on severity, risk factors, and local pathogen susceptibility patterns, along with supportive care.
- COPD Exacerbation: Identifying and addressing potential triggers for the exacerbation, such as respiratory infections or environmental exposures.
- Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Providing patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and individualized asthma action plans upon discharge.
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.
- 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: Administration of appropriate analgesics (opioid and non-opioid) and adjunctive medications to alleviate acute pain from injuries or medical conditions.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Rapid recognition and differentiation of time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring prompt, often life-saving, intervention.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Leading and coordinating resuscitation efforts for patients in cardiac arrest, shock, or severe respiratory distress.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Liddle 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 Edmonton's SE: Mill Woods South (Sakaw, Menisa) neighborhood is a vital healthcare facility providing urgent medical services to the community. Situated conveniently near the Legislature Grounds, it is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) including LRT and bus routes. The hospital campus offers ample parking with designated spots for emergency access, clearly marked with signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The ER environment is designed to handle high-acuity cases, with integrated access to comprehensive hospital services, ensuring timely and effective care for those in urgent need. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, reflecting its commitment to equitable healthcare delivery. As a critical access point for urgent medical care, the Emergency Department plays a vital role in safeguarding community health and wellbeing.
- 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. Liddle as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Liddle works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?
- Deciding between the ER and other care options depends on severity. The Emergency Room is the correct place for acute, potentially severe conditions like difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of a stroke, major trauma, severe allergic reactions, or uncontrolled bleeding. For ongoing health issues, minor ailments, or routine care, your family doctor offers continuity. Walk-in clinics can handle less severe acute issues. Dr. Liddle and the ER staff are prepared for urgent and life-threatening situations; using the ER appropriately helps ensure timely care for those who need it most. If in doubt about a serious condition, seek emergency assessment.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Liddle?
- Dr. Liddle, as a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions., specializes in emergency medicine. This field focuses on the immediate decision-making and action necessary to prevent death or further disability both in the pre-hospital setting (by directing emergency medical services) and in the emergency department. Their primary focus is on diagnosing undifferentiated acute conditions, resuscitating and stabilizing patients who are critically ill or injured, providing pain relief and symptom control, and coordinating comprehensive care for a diverse patient population presenting with urgent medical needs.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Liddle 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. Liddle 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.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Liddle and the team follow. This system ensures that the sickest patients receive care first. Factors like the number of patients currently in the ER, the severity of their conditions, and the availability of treatment rooms and staff can all impact wait times. While it can be difficult to wait, please know that the emergency team is working hard to attend to every patient based on medical priority.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Liddle?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Liddle, 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.
1100 Youville Drive West NW, Emergency Department
Edmonton, AB T6L 5X8
Hospital Main Line: (780) 735-7000
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Liddle 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. Liddle or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Liddle's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=7ac989bc-b771-4d4e-acf9-8120f9d1a6aa&i=863