Dr. Sarah Feaver – Emergency Room Doctor | High River, AB

Dr. Sarah Feaver is an experienced Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in High River, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Her role involves 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. Feaver graduated with her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Western Ontario in 2009. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. Her certifications and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with the latest emergency medicine practices and protocols, allowing her to provide the highest standard of care to her patients.

Her professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure. She values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. Dr. Feaver prioritizes patient safety and advocates for patient needs in acute settings, delivering emergency care in English with a focus on empathetic and efficient service to the community of High River.

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

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Feaver manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Meticulous cleaning, assessment of depth and contamination, and appropriate repair of skin wounds, including suturing, stapling, or application of tissue adhesives.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms and when to seek further medical attention.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• 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): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.
• 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.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with sudden or severe difficulty breathing to rapidly determine the underlying physiological cause.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Identifying underlying lung conditions (e.g., blebs, bullae, COPD) that may predispose to spontaneous pneumothorax.

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.

• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Addressing acute deteriorations in patients with known chronic diseases, often requiring adjustment of their usual therapies.
• 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.
• 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.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Expertise in diagnosing a broad spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries that present to the emergency department, including those with atypical presentations.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Feaver 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 Alberta (CPSA) 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 High River is situated within a major hospital in the High River neighborhood. It is conveniently located near the hospital campus, with accessible entry points via local public transit serving the hospital. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients. Ample hospital parking is available, including designated spots for emergency access. Patients and visitors are guided by clear signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. This facility functions as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrated seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to ensure prompt and effective treatment for all emergencies.

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

To help Dr. Feaver 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. Feaver 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. Feaver, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

Dr. Feaver, as a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Feaver 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.

560 9 Ave SW
High River, AB T1V 1B3

Hospital Main Line: (403) 652-2220

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Feaver is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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. Feaver or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Feaver's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=42db2a4e-bd9c-4d5f-996d-d585c390bee9&i=458