About
Dr. Mervyn Paul Hiebert 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. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Hiebert 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 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.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Manitoba in 1991. Dr. Hiebert holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) after completing extensive postgraduate training. He has acquired the necessary certifications and credentials to practice emergency medicine across Alberta, ensuring he maintains current competencies in this demanding field.
Dr. Hiebert's professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring 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 in acute settings. He delivers emergency care fluently in English and is committed to serving the community of Lethbridge with professionalism and empathy.
Dr. Mervyn Hiebert 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. Hiebert manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Systematic and prioritized trauma assessment following Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols to rapidly identify and address immediate life-threatening conditions (e.g., airway obstruction, tension pneumothorax, massive hemorrhage).
- 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.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Careful assessment of neurovascular status distal to injuries to promptly identify and manage any compromise.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Hiebert manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Application of established chest pain protocols to ensure efficient and effective care.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Maintaining a high index of suspicion for these conditions in patients presenting with severe, tearing chest, back, or abdominal pain, or unexplained syncope.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Hiebert manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Management of pneumonia complications such as empyema, lung abscess, significant pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Treatment of life-threatening status asthmaticus, which may necessitate continuous nebulization, magnesium sulfate, or non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
- 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: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Hiebert 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 accessible via major roads and public transit, including Lethbridge Transit. The hospital’s Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients and is located near the High Level Bridge (CPR Viaduct). Ample hospital parking is available, with designated spots for emergency access. Visitors are advised to follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure seamless patient management.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Hiebert?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Hiebert 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 primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Hiebert?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Hiebert, 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.
- 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. Hiebert as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- 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. Hiebert 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.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Hiebert 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. Hiebert 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.
960 19 St S
Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5
Hospital Main Line: (403) 388-6301
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Hiebert 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. Hiebert or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Hiebert's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=f8835a94-88ba-48e7-9646-2b6428265882&i=617