About
Dr. Salvatore Mottillo is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Hôpital Pierre-Le Gardeur in Terrebonne, QC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring professional and competent care. Dr. Mottillo 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.
He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 7 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2017. Dr. Mottillo has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, including licensure from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) with license number 17572. His professional development is ongoing, ensuring he remains current with the latest emergency medicine practices and protocols.
Dr. Mottillo’s professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessments in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. He is committed to evidence-based emergency medicine, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Fluently providing emergency medical services in French, he strives to serve the diverse community of Terrebonne with professionalism and dedication.
Dr. Salvatore Mottillo is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Mottillo manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.
- 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).
- 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. Mottillo manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Assessing need for hospitalization versus outpatient management based on severity scores.
- COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Initiation of immediate management strategies to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and alleviate respiratory distress.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Mottillo manages providing urgent medical care for a wide spectrum of injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports, or violence, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms and when to seek further medical attention.
- 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.
- 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.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Performing source control measures for infections where appropriate in the ER setting, such as incision and drainage of abscesses.
- 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.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
- Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Life-saving intervention for tension pneumothorax or management of significant pleural collections causing respiratory compromise.
- Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Coordinating the multidisciplinary trauma team response in major injury cases to ensure comprehensive and efficient care.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Mottillo 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 Pierre-Le Gardeur is situated in Terrebonne's Terrebonne West (Near Laval border) neighborhood, serving as a vital access point for urgent medical care within the community. The hospital is easily accessible via exo (Secteur Terrebonne-Mascouche), with comprehensive facility access including ample hospital parking and designated spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage guides patients to the ER drop-off zone and parking areas. The Emergency Department operates 24/7, providing high-acuity care and comprehensive services to address urgent health needs. It is integrated with the hospital’s broader healthcare services, ensuring continuity and quality of care for all patients.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Mottillo?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Mottillo, 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.
- 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. Mottillo 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Mottillo works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?
- The Emergency Room is for serious or life-threatening medical conditions that require immediate attention. Examples include: severe chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, signs of a stroke (like sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking), major injuries or uncontrolled bleeding, severe allergic reactions, high fever with confusion, or loss of consciousness. For non-urgent issues, minor illnesses, medication refills, or routine check-ups, your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is usually more appropriate. If you're unsure about the severity of your condition, it's often best to err on the side of caution and seek emergency care or call your provincial telehealth line for advice. Dr. Mottillo and the ER team are there for true emergencies.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Mottillo?
- An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Mottillo, 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 an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, Dr. Mottillo 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 see Dr. Mottillo in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Mottillo 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.
Hôpital Pierre-Le Gardeur
911 montée des Pionniers
Terrebonne, QC J6V 2H2
Hospital Main Line: (450) 654-7525
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Mottillo 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. Mottillo or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Mottillo's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=17572