Dr. Joseph George Haegert 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 New Westminster, BC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Haegert 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.
Dr. Haegert graduated with his MD from the University of British Columbia in 1985. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in British Columbia. His education and certification reflect his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of emergency medical practice, ensuring he is well-equipped to handle a wide variety of urgent health issues with expertise and professionalism.
His professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Dr. Haegert prioritizes patient safety, effective communication, and adherence to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. He is dedicated to serving the community of New Westminster by delivering emergency care in English, ensuring that each patient receives respectful, timely, and effective treatment during their most vulnerable moments.
Dr. Joseph Haegert is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Haegert manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Haegert manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Emergency treatment of tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Utilizing bedside diagnostics like chest X-ray, ultrasound, and arterial blood gas analysis to guide assessment.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Utilizing chest imaging and microbiological studies to confirm diagnosis and guide therapy.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Haegert manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate 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): Prompt recognition and stabilization of patients with more severe traumatic brain injuries (e.g., intracranial hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury), including measures to manage increased intracranial pressure and rapid coordination with neurosurgical and critical care teams.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Initiating damage control resuscitation principles, including hemorrhage control, blood product administration, and prevention of hypothermia and coagulopathy.
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.
- 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: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.
- 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.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Initiation of empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy for suspected or confirmed severe infections based on clinical presentation and local epidemiology.
- 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.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Haegert 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 in New Westminster is situated in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood. It is conveniently accessible from River Market and well-connected via TransLink services, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. The department functions as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrating seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to provide timely, high-quality emergency care 24/7.
- When should I see Dr. Haegert in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Haegert 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.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Haegert 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. Haegert, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Haegert 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. Haegert 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.
- 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. Haegert as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Haegert?
- An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Haegert, 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 an Emergency Physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care., Dr. Haegert is highly 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Haegert 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. Haegert, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.
330 Columbia St, Emergency Dept., Royal Columbian Hospital
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7
Hospital Main Line: (604) 520-4253
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Haegert 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. Haegert or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Haegert's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/304556/Haegert%2CJoseph