About
Dr. Matthew Brian Kriese 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 Lethbridge, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. His practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Kriese specializes 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 department operates 24/7 to ensure prompt access to emergency care, with patients being prioritized based on the severity of their condition through a systematic triage process.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of British Columbia in 2015. Dr. Kriese has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. His certifications include advanced life support, trauma management, and other relevant emergency medicine qualifications, ensuring he is well-equipped to handle a wide range of urgent health issues with competence and professionalism.
Dr. Kriese’s professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and maintaining effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs during acute care encounters. He delivers emergency care primarily in English, with a focus on ensuring patients feel reassured and well-informed throughout their treatment journey. His commitment is to serve the community of Lethbridge with dedication, professionalism, and compassion.
Dr. Matthew Kriese 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. Kriese manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.
- 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.
- 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).
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Initial management of first, second, and some third-degree thermal, chemical, or electrical burns, including cooling, pain control, and dressing application.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Kriese manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Rapid diagnostic workup, often involving CT angiography, for patients with symptoms suggestive of life-threatening aortic conditions such as dissection or rupture.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Kriese manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Identifying and managing potential complications of PE, such as right heart strain.
- 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.
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: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Kriese 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 Lethbridge is situated in the Downtown Lethbridge, South Lethbridge East neighborhood. It is conveniently located near Nicholas Sheran Park, accessible via major roadways and public transit. The facility is easily reachable via Lethbridge Transit routes, with clear signage directing patients to ER entry points. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Hospital signage guides arriving patients to ER drop-off zones and parking areas. The department functions as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrating seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to provide holistic emergency care around the clock.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Kriese 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. Kriese, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Kriese?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Kriese, a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions., is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. They are experts at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. They manage everything from severe trauma and cardiac arrests to less critical but still urgent issues, ensuring patients are stabilized and receive appropriate next steps in their care.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Wait times in the Emergency Room can fluctuate significantly due to several factors. The primary reason is the triage process: patients with the most severe and time-sensitive conditions are treated immediately. If many critically ill patients arrive simultaneously, or if the department is experiencing high patient volumes or staffing challenges, those with less acute problems may face longer waits. Dr. Kriese and the ER staff understand that waiting can be frustrating and are committed to providing efficient care while ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients.
- When should I see Dr. Kriese in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Kriese 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.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Kriese?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Kriese 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.
- 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. Kriese as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
960 19 St S, Chinook Regional Hospital
Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5
Hospital Main Line: (403) 688-3111
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Kriese 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. Kriese or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Kriese's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=359b00a2-f1b1-4fb4-a648-de555489c15d&i=788