Dr. Nicholas Arrotta – Emergency Room Doctor | St. Albert, AB

Dr. Nicholas Arrotta is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in St. Albert, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). 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. The facility is designed to ensure immediate access to emergency medical services, with hospital parking available and designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage guides patients to ER drop-off points and parking areas. As a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, the Emergency Department is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to support the health and well-being of residents in St. Albert.

Dr. Arrotta graduated with an MBBChBAO from Ireland and holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Alberta. His professional philosophy centers on 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 delivering evidence-based emergency care, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Dr. Arrotta provides emergency medical services in English, committed to serving the community of St. Albert with professionalism and expertise.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Arrotta manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.

• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Initial emergency management of acute coronary syndromes, including EKG interpretation, timely administration of aspirin and antiplatelet agents, cardiac biomarker assessment, and reperfusion strategies if indicated.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Arrotta manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.

• 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.
• COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Utilizing bedside diagnostics like chest X-ray, ultrasound, and arterial blood gas analysis to guide assessment.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Arrotta manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.

• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Facilitation of urgent referral to orthopedic specialists for complex fractures, open fractures, neurovascularly compromised injuries, or those requiring surgical intervention.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Effective coordination of the multidisciplinary trauma team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and nursing staff, to ensure timely and comprehensive care.
• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Meticulous cleaning, assessment of depth and contamination, and appropriate repair of skin wounds, including suturing, stapling, or application of tissue adhesives.

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: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Prompt and effective symptom control for distressing conditions such as severe nausea, vomiting, acute shortness of breath, or systemic allergic reactions.
• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Proficient placement of arterial lines for continuous, real-time blood pressure monitoring and frequent arterial blood gas analysis in unstable patients.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Prioritizing interventions for patients with critical trauma, including hemorrhage control and airway protection.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Arrotta 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 St. Albert's St. Albert City neighbourhood is situated within a modern hospital facility that provides comprehensive urgent and emergency care. Accessible via the Major North-South Corridor, the department is easily reachable by public transit, including St. Albert Transit (StAT) services connecting to Edmonton. The hospital campus offers ample parking, with designated spots for emergency access, and clear signage directs patients to the ER entrance. The facility operates 24/7, ensuring immediate availability of emergency services for residents and visitors, serving as a vital healthcare hub for the community and surrounding regions.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Arrotta 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. Arrotta, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

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

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Arrotta, 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 highly trained Emergency Room Doctor, Dr. Arrotta is 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. Arrotta 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. Arrotta, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

The triage nurse in the ER performs a crucial initial assessment to rapidly evaluate how serious your condition is. They will ask about your symptoms, check your vital signs (like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature), and assign you a triage level. This level dictates how quickly you need to be seen by an Emergency Room Doctor such as Dr. Arrotta, ensuring that patients with life-threatening conditions receive immediate care. They are a key part of the ER team that ensures patient safety and efficient flow.

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

201 Boudreau Rd
St. Albert, AB T8N 6C4

Hospital Main Line: (780) 418-8200

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Arrotta is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor 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. Arrotta or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Arrotta's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=73414688-de0f-475b-989f-c9deb07bf278&i=104