Dr. Robert Thomas Arntfield – Emergency Room Doctor | London, ON

Dr. Robert Thomas Arntfield 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 London, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). 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. Arntfield graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. He has over 15 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor, practicing since 2009. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification enable him to deliver comprehensive emergency care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients in critical situations.

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. Dr. Arntfield adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizes patient safety, and advocates for patient needs in acute settings. Additionally, he communicates effectively in French and English, allowing him to serve a diverse patient population in emergency scenarios within London.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Arntfield manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.

• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Stabilization of patients with decompensated heart failure using intravenous diuretics, vasodilators, supplemental oxygen, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation if required.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Prompt diagnosis and emergency management of hemodynamically significant abnormal heart rhythms, including electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, or rate control strategies.
• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Swift investigation and stabilization for patients with symptoms suggestive of ischemic heart disease.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Arntfield manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Diagnosis and management of a collapsed lung (air in the pleural space), which can be spontaneous or result from trauma.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Arntfield manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.

• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Systematic and prioritized trauma assessment following Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols to rapidly identify and address immediate life-threatening conditions (e.g., airway obstruction, tension pneumothorax, massive hemorrhage).
• 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.

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: Utilizing a multimodal approach to pain management, including regional nerve blocks and procedural sedation when appropriate for the emergency setting.
• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Often utilizing ultrasound guidance to improve success rates and reduce complications during vascular access procedures.
• Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injury), including symptom assessment and providing patient education on cognitive/physical rest, recovery, and graduated return-to-activity/play.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Emergency placement of a chest tube (thoracostomy tube) to evacuate air (pneumothorax) or fluid (hemothorax, pleural effusion, empyema) from the pleural space.
• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Expertise in managing potential complications associated with sedative and analgesic medications.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Arntfield 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 Ontario (CPSO) 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 London's Downtown London, North London East neighborhood is a vital healthcare facility providing urgent and emergent medical services. Situated close to the Downtown Core, it is easily accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC) bus routes. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs ER patient drop-off and parking areas. The department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure seamless patient management at all hours.

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

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

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

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. Arntfield as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

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

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Arntfield, a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, 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.

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. Arntfield 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.

Unit 1, 800 Commissioners Road East
London, ON N6A 5W9

Hospital Main Line: (519) 685-6440

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Arntfield is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. 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. Arntfield or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Arntfield's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Arntfield-Robert-Thomas/0210007-81261