About
Dr. Nicholas Gowan Packer 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 Calgary, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. Dr. Packer adheres to the standards and practices outlined 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.
Dr. Packer graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2015. He holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor. Throughout his training, he has completed extensive post-graduate education and obtained the necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in Alberta, ensuring he remains current with the latest standards and protocols in emergency care.
With a professional philosophy centered on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, Dr. Packer is dedicated to providing compassionate care under pressure. He emphasizes effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, and prioritizes patient safety while advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Dr. Packer delivers emergency care exclusively in English, ensuring clear communication with patients and colleagues alike.
Dr. Nicholas Packer is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Packer manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Identifying and addressing potential underlying causes of acute severe hypertension and arranging appropriate follow-up.
- 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. Packer manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Utilizing chest imaging and microbiological studies to confirm diagnosis and guide therapy.
- COPD Exacerbation: Careful assessment for signs of respiratory failure and the need for supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support (non-invasive or invasive).
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Packer manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Leading or playing a key role in the initial resuscitation, assessment, and stabilization of patients who have sustained multiple severe injuries (polytrauma).
- 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: Facilitation of urgent referral to orthopedic specialists for complex fractures, open fractures, neurovascularly compromised injuries, or those requiring surgical intervention.
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: Prompt and effective symptom control for distressing conditions such as severe nausea, vomiting, acute shortness of breath, or systemic allergic reactions.
- Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Surgical skill in performing chest tube insertion and managing the drainage system.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.
- Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Evaluating neurovascular status distal to injuries to identify and manage complications.
- Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Often utilizing ultrasound guidance to improve success rates and reduce complications during vascular access procedures.
- 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.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Packer 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 Calgary's NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighbourhood is a modern, fully equipped facility situated conveniently close to Inglewood Access. Easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), the hospital provides comprehensive emergency services in a high-acuity environment. The hospital's ER is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear signage guides patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. As a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, the ER seamlessly integrates with the hospital's extensive range of healthcare services to ensure timely and effective treatment for all patients in need.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Packer?
- Dr. Packer, as a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries., specializes in emergency medicine. This field 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. Their primary focus is on diagnosing undifferentiated acute conditions, resuscitating and stabilizing patients who are critically ill or injured, providing pain relief and symptom control, and coordinating comprehensive care for a diverse patient population presenting with urgent medical needs.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Packer and the team follow. This system ensures that the sickest patients receive care first. Factors like the number of patients currently in the ER, the severity of their conditions, and the availability of treatment rooms and staff can all impact wait times. While it can be difficult to wait, please know that the emergency team is working hard to attend to every patient based on medical priority.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Packer 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. Packer 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.
- 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. Packer as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Packer?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Packer, to send a detailed summary of your ER visit to your designated family doctor, provided you share their contact information during registration. This report typically includes the reason for your visit, significant findings, any treatments administered, and recommendations for follow-up. This ensures continuity of care and keeps your family doctor informed about important changes in your health status. Following up with your family doctor after an ER visit is usually recommended.
- When should I see Dr. Packer in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Packer and the Emergency Room team are best equipped to handle acute, severe, or potentially life-threatening medical conditions. For ongoing care, management of chronic illnesses (unless there's an acute exacerbation), routine check-ups, preventative health measures, prescription refills for stable conditions, and non-urgent health concerns, your family doctor is the most appropriate healthcare provider. They offer continuity of care and have a comprehensive understanding of your overall health history. If your condition is not an emergency, consulting your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is generally recommended.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Packer works?
- To help Dr. Packer and the ER staff provide the best care, please bring your government-issued health card. A list of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, is also vital. Knowing your allergies and any chronic health conditions or previous major surgeries will also help the team. If you regularly see other specialists, their contact information might also be useful.
1403 29 St NW, Foothills Medicine Center
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
Hospital Main Line: (403) 944-1110
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Packer 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. Packer or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Packer's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=640c1871-3ae1-4e65-bcdc-725f165251a6&i=1117