Dr. Robin Andrea Cardamore – Emergency Room Doctor | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Robin Andrea Cardamore is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at NHS - St. Catharines Site in Ottawa, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and maintains her licensure under license number 98777. Her role focuses on 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. Cardamore graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada. With over 12 years of dedicated experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2012, she has honed her skills in managing complex emergency cases. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating her expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of emergency medicine practice.

Her professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Cardamore adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She is fluent in both English and French, enabling her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population in emergency situations, and is dedicated to providing comprehensive and timely care to the Ottawa community.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Cardamore manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Stabilization of patients presenting with symptomatic or life-threatening tachyarrhythmias (e.g., VT, SVT) or bradyarrhythmias (e.g., complete heart block).
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Coordination of immediate transfer to a facility with cardiothoracic surgical capabilities if necessary.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Cardamore manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.
• 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. Cardamore manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.

• 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): Concurrent assessment for associated injuries, particularly cervical spine trauma, in all patients with significant head injuries.
• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Evaluation and care for abrasions and puncture wounds, including foreign body assessment.

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.

• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Utilizing established protocols and reversal agents as needed to ensure patient safety during and after PSA.
• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Evaluating neurovascular status distal to injuries to identify and manage complications.
• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Educating patients on proper wound care and signs of infection following repair.
• 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.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Cardamore 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.

NHS - St. Catharines Site is situated in Ottawa's Overbrook, Castle Heights, and Vanier South neighborhoods, offering accessible and comprehensive emergency medical services. The department is conveniently located near the Ottawa River Pathway, with easy access via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access, and signage directs patients to ER drop-off points and parking areas. The Emergency Department functions as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrating seamlessly with the hospital’s broader healthcare services to provide timely, expert care in a high-acuity environment. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, ensuring equitable care regardless of mobility needs.

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

Dr. Cardamore 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. Cardamore 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.

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

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

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. Cardamore, 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. Cardamore?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Cardamore, is a physician specifically trained to provide immediate medical evaluation and treatment for a wide spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries, ranging from minor concerns to critical, life-threatening emergencies. Their core role involves rapid assessment (triage and diagnosis), stabilization of vital functions, performing necessary emergency procedures, and making crucial decisions about patient disposition (admission, transfer, or discharge). As a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries., Dr. Cardamore is highly skilled in managing the unpredictable and often high-pressure environment of the emergency department, working collaboratively with a team of nurses, technicians, and other specialists.

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

What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Cardamore works?

When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ card). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Cardamore and the medical team if you can provide an accurate list of all medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), a list of any allergies you have, and details of any important past medical conditions or surgeries. If you are accompanying someone else, try to have this information for them.

NHS - St. Catharines Site
2B-Intensive Care Unit, 713 Montreal Road, Dept of Critical Care Medicine
Ottawa, ON K1K 0T2

Hospital Main Line: (613) 746-4621

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Cardamore 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. Cardamore or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Cardamore's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Cardamore-Robin-Andrea/0280108-98777