Dr. Raphaël Paquin – Emergency Room Doctor | Montréal, QC

Dr. Raphaël Paquin is a specialized Pediatric Emergency Physician, dedicated to providing immediate medical care for infants, children, and adolescents in acute distress. Practicing at Hôpital de Montréal pour enfants in Montréal, QC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). His role involves rapidly diagnosing and treating a wide range of urgent pediatric conditions, from common childhood illnesses and injuries to life-threatening emergencies. Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate assessment, family-centered communication, and minimizing distress for young patients and their families. The Pediatric Emergency Department is specially equipped and staffed to care for acutely ill and injured children and adolescents, operating 24/7. Care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 11 years of experience as a Pediatric Emergency Physician since 2013. Throughout his career, he has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Pediatric Emergency Medicine in Quebec, including certification from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Dr. Paquin is committed to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary ER team. He strictly adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety and advocating for the needs of children and their families during emergencies. His professional philosophy includes a family-centered approach to pediatric emergency care, with a focus on minimizing distress and ensuring quality outcomes. Dr. Paquin provides emergency medical services in French to serve the diverse community of Montréal.

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

Specific Pediatric Emergencies

Dr. Paquin manages applying specialized knowledge of pediatric physiology and pharmacology in emergency care.

• Accidental Ingestions and Poisonings in Children: Careful monitoring for signs of toxicity and systemic effects.
• Febrile Seizures in Children: Administering abortive seizure medication if the seizure is prolonged.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Paquin manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.

• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Utilizing advanced EKG interpretation skills for accurate arrhythmia diagnosis.
• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Application of established chest pain protocols to ensure efficient and effective care.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Paquin manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Diagnosis and management of a collapsed lung (air in the pleural space), which can be spontaneous or result from trauma.

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.

• Care for Pediatric Trauma and Injuries: Applying knowledge of pediatric anatomy and physiology to trauma assessment and care, including fluid resuscitation and pain management.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Utilizing point-of-care testing (POCT) and bedside imaging to expedite diagnosis in critical and time-sensitive situations.
• Management of Common Pediatric Emergencies: Accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of common acute pediatric conditions such as high fever, viral croup, acute asthma exacerbations, bronchiolitis, and acute gastroenteritis with dehydration.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.
• Pediatric Resuscitation (PALS/APLS): Leading or effectively participating in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Advanced Pediatric Life Support (APLS) for critically ill or injured children.
• Assessment and Management of Acutely Ill or Injured Children: Creating a child-friendly and reassuring environment to reduce anxiety for young patients and their families.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Paquin 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 de Montréal pour enfants is located in the vibrant Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) Central neighborhood of Montréal. The hospital is situated close to McGill University, making it easily accessible for students, staff, and community members. The facility can be reached via Société de transport de Montréal (STM) services, including Métro and Bus routes, with convenient access to public transit options. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage guiding visitors to ER patient drop-off points and parking areas. Hospital parking is available, with designated spots for emergency access, ensuring rapid entry for urgent cases. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrated with comprehensive hospital services to support a wide range of healthcare needs.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Paquin 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 primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Paquin?

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Paquin, a Pediatric Emergency Physician specially trained to care for acutely ill or injured children, is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. They are experts at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. They manage everything from severe trauma and cardiac arrests to less critical but still urgent issues, ensuring patients are stabilized and receive appropriate next steps in their care.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Paquin, 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. Paquin 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. Paquin 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?

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. Paquin, 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.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

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

Does the Emergency Room where Dr. Paquin works provide specialized care for children?

Absolutely. As a Pediatric Emergency Physician specially trained to care for acutely ill or injured children, Dr. Paquin focuses on the emergency medical needs of children, from newborns to teenagers. The ER environment and protocols are adapted to provide the best possible care for pediatric emergencies.

Hôpital de Montréal pour enfants
1001 boul Décarie
Montréal, QC H4A 3J1

Hospital Main Line: (514) 412-4400

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Paquin is a licensed Pediatric Emergency Physician 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. Paquin or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Paquin's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=12716