Dr. Philippe Ouellet – Emergency Room Doctor | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Dr. Philippe Ouellet is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. His role is grounded in the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). 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. Ouellet holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 7 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2017. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in Quebec, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of patient safety and clinical excellence.

His professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He is dedicated to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Dr. Ouellet provides emergency medical services in French, ensuring clear and compassionate communication with the diverse community of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Ouellet 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): Rapid evaluation and risk stratification of patients presenting with chest pain to rule out or confirm life-threatening causes like acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina, or pulmonary embolism.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Rapid diagnostic workup, often involving CT angiography, for patients with symptoms suggestive of life-threatening aortic conditions such as dissection or rupture.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Utilizing advanced EKG interpretation skills for accurate arrhythmia diagnosis.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Diagnosis and initiation of treatment for lung infections, particularly severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) presenting with respiratory distress or sepsis.
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Treatment of life-threatening status asthmaticus, which may necessitate continuous nebulization, magnesium sulfate, or non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Ouellet manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.

• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Careful examination to rule out more serious underlying injuries, such as fractures, compartment syndrome, or tendon ruptures.
• 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.
• 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.

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): Providing analgesia and monitoring for complications post-procedure.
• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Providing local anesthesia and ensuring optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes for wound closures.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
• 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.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Initiation of empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy for suspected or confirmed severe infections based on clinical presentation and local epidemiology.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Ouellet 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu is situated in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu's Saint-Jean Sector North neighborhood. The hospital's Emergency Department is located within the main hospital complex, accessible via dedicated hospital signage. The facility is conveniently reachable by public transportation, including Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu, and features ample hospital parking with designated spots for emergency access. The ER is fully accessible to all patients, with clear pathways for ambulance and pedestrian access. The hospital's emergency department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care in the community, integrating seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to ensure timely and effective treatment for all patients.

Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Ouellet?

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Ouellet 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.

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. Ouellet 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. Ouellet works?

To help Dr. Ouellet 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.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Ouellet 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. Ouellet, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

When should I see Dr. Ouellet in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Ouellet 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.

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. Ouellet, 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 is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Ouellet?

Dr. Ouellet, 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.

Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu
920 Boul du Séminaire N, CP 121
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3A 1B7

Hospital Main Line: (450) 359-5000

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Ouellet is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. 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. Ouellet or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Ouellet's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=17579