About
Dr. Michael Sean Crickmer 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 North Vancouver, BC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. Adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), Dr. Crickmer focuses on providing prompt, efficient, and compassionate care to those in urgent need. He 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. Crickmer graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (BM BS) from the University of Limerick in Ireland. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in British Columbia. His certifications include certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of emergency medicine practice.
With a professional philosophy rooted in rapid and accurate assessment during critical situations, Dr. Crickmer is dedicated to providing compassionate care under pressure. He values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, consistently adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. His primary goal is to prioritize patient safety, advocate for patient needs in acute settings, and deliver emergency care in English to the diverse community of North Vancouver.
Dr. Michael Crickmer is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Crickmer manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Crickmer manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.
- Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Treatment of life-threatening status asthmaticus, which may necessitate continuous nebulization, magnesium sulfate, or non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Management of pneumonia complications such as empyema, lung abscess, significant pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Pulmonary Embolism: Providing patient education on anticoagulation and follow-up post-diagnosis.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Crickmer manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Concurrent assessment for associated injuries, particularly cervical spine trauma, in all patients with significant head injuries.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Effective initial pain management, timely closed reduction of simple joint dislocations (often under procedural sedation), and appropriate immobilization using splints, casts, or slings to protect the injured area.
- 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.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Performing source control measures for infections where appropriate in the ER setting, such as incision and drainage of abscesses.
- 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.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Employing rapid diagnostic tools and protocols to efficiently evaluate patients with urgent health concerns.
- 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.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Providing emergency interventions for complications arising from long-term medical conditions, aiming to restore baseline health status.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Crickmer 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 at the major hospital in North Vancouver is situated conveniently within the hospital campus, accessible via local public transit serving the hospital. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients. Parking is available with designated spots for emergency access, and signage directs ER patient drop-off and parking. The department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services, ensuring prompt and coordinated treatment for all emergencies.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Crickmer 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. Crickmer 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.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Crickmer?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Crickmer 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. Crickmer?
- An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Crickmer, 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. Crickmer 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.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Crickmer 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. Crickmer, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.
- When should I see Dr. Crickmer in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Crickmer 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.
231 15TH St E, Lions Gate Hospital
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2L7
Hospital Main Line: (604) 988-3131
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Crickmer 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. Crickmer or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Crickmer's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/355727/Crickmer%2CMichael