Dr. Lauren Skye Crawford – Emergency Room Doctor | Victoria, BC

Dr. Lauren Skye Crawford 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 Victoria, BC, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Crawford'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. 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.

She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in BC. Dr. Crawford graduated with her MD from the University of British Columbia in 2015 and has since dedicated her career to emergency medicine. Her certifications ensure she is well-equipped to provide comprehensive emergency care, adhering to the highest standards of clinical practice and patient safety.

Dr. Crawford’s professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. She is committed to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for the needs of patients in urgent settings. Her dedication to the community of Victoria is reflected in her focus on delivering timely, respectful, and effective emergency care, conducted in English.

Dr. Lauren Crawford is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Crawford manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.

• 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.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.
• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Comprehensive assessment of various etiologies of chest discomfort presenting to the ER, differentiating cardiac from non-cardiac causes.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Crawford manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.

• 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.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Providing patient education on anticoagulation and follow-up post-diagnosis.
• 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. Crawford manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.

• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Diagnosis and initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injuries), emphasizing patient and family education regarding symptoms, expected recovery course, cognitive and physical rest, and criteria for graduated return-to-play/activity/school.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Arranging for definitive surgical care or transfer to a designated trauma center as appropriate.
• 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).

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: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Applying advanced diagnostic reasoning to quickly pinpoint life-threatening conditions amidst complex clinical pictures.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Focusing on rapid alleviation of severe symptoms to improve patient comfort and facilitate further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Crawford 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 Victoria is located in the Fairfield East, Oaklands neighbourhood, offering accessible, high-acuity care close to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Easily reachable via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), the hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients. It serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, with hospital parking available and designated spots for emergency access. Follow signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The department is part of a comprehensive hospital facility that provides 24/7 emergency services and a broad range of medical specialties, ensuring seamless care for urgent health issues.

What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Crawford?

Dr. Crawford, as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care, 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. Her primary role involves diagnosing undifferentiated acute conditions, resuscitating and stabilizing critically ill or injured patients, providing pain relief and symptom management, and coordinating comprehensive care for a diverse patient population presenting with urgent medical needs.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Crawford practices, is designed for urgent and emergency situations—conditions that require immediate medical intervention to prevent serious harm or death. Your family doctor provides comprehensive primary care, including treatment for common illnesses, management of long-term health conditions, immunizations, and preventative screening. For non-urgent issues, your family doctor can offer more personalized and continuous care. If your condition is not immediate or life-threatening, visiting your family doctor or a walk-in clinic may be more appropriate. Seek emergency care if you are unsure or if your condition worsens quickly.

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

Please bring your government-issued health card, a list of all medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal supplements), any known allergies, and details of your chronic health conditions or previous major surgeries. If you regularly see other specialists, their contact information can also be helpful. This information assists Dr. Crawford and the ER team in providing prompt and effective care.

Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Crawford?

Yes, it is standard practice for the ER to send a detailed summary of your visit to your designated family doctor, especially if you provide their contact information during registration. This report includes the reason for your visit, significant findings, treatments administered, and follow-up recommendations, ensuring continuity of care. It is advisable to follow up with your family doctor after your ER visit for further assessment or ongoing management.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

ER wait times vary due to the triage system, which prioritizes patients based on the severity of their condition. Life-threatening cases are seen first, which can lead to longer waits for less urgent issues. During busy periods or when managing multiple critical patients, wait times may increase. The ER team, including Dr. Crawford, works diligently to provide timely care to all patients based on urgency and clinical need.

What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?

The triage nurse performs an initial assessment, asking about your symptoms, checking vital signs, and assigning a triage level. This determines how quickly you need to be seen by Dr. Crawford or another ER provider. The process helps ensure that patients with urgent or life-threatening conditions receive immediate attention, maintaining safety and efficient flow within the department.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) versus seeing my family doctor or a walk-in clinic?

The ER is appropriate for serious or life-threatening conditions such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, major injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, severe allergic reactions, or loss of consciousness. For minor illnesses, routine health concerns, medication refills, or non-urgent issues, a family doctor or walk-in clinic is usually suitable. If in doubt about the seriousness of your condition, seek emergency care or contact health advice lines. Dr. Crawford and the ER team are here for genuine emergencies requiring immediate attention.

235-1627 Fort St, Victoria Emergency Physicians Association
Victoria, BC V8R 1H8

Hospital Main Line: (250) 479-1442

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Crawford 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. Crawford or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Crawford's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/339038/Crawford%2CLauren