About
Dr. Pamela Maureen Downey 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, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Downey 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.
Dr. Downey graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Manitoba in 1982. She holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor and has completed extensive post-graduate training. She maintains all necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in Alberta, ensuring her skills and knowledge are current and aligned with provincial and national standards.
Her professional philosophy is centered on providing rapid and accurate assessments in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Downey is dedicated to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She is committed to delivering compassionate, efficient, and high-quality emergency care to the Calgary community, communicating fluently in English.
Dr. Pamela Downey is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Downey manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Urgent management of severely elevated blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) associated with evidence of acute or ongoing end-organ damage (e.g., encephalopathy, stroke, myocardial ischemia, acute kidney injury).
- 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. Downey manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Rapid diagnostic workup (e.g., Wells score, PERC rule, D-dimer testing, CT pulmonary angiography, or V/Q scan) for patients with suspected blood clots in the lungs (PE).
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Downey 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.
- 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.
- Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Surgical skill in performing chest tube insertion and managing the drainage system.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
- 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.
- Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Safe and effective administration of sedative and analgesic medications to facilitate patient comfort and cooperation during uncomfortable or painful procedures in the ER.
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Performing therapeutic lumbar puncture in specific situations such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri).
- Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Prioritizing interventions for patients with critical trauma, including hemorrhage control and airway protection.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Downey 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 SW neighbourhoods of Haysboro, Kingsland, and Kelvin Grove is a vital hub for urgent medical care. Situated close to the Peter Lougheed Centre, it offers easy access via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. The hospital's comprehensive facilities are fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage guides patients to ER drop-off points and parking facilities. The department serves as a critical access point for urgent health issues within the community, integrating seamlessly with the hospital's extensive services to provide holistic patient care.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Downey?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Downey, 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 go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Downey 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. Downey 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 should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Downey works?
- To help Dr. Downey 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.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Downey?
- Dr. Downey, 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.
- 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. Downey as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- When should I see Dr. Downey in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Downey 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.
- 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. Downey 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.
110-1016 68 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2V 4J2
Hospital Main Line: (403) 541-0033
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Downey 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. Downey or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Downey's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=42802341-4b57-4cd7-83df-3d36b9994ba5&i=392