Dr. Susan Andrea Bartels – Emergency Room Doctor | Kingston, ON

Dr. Susan Andrea Bartels is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing in Kingston, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her primary focus is on the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across 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. Bartels graduated with a Medical Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine in Canada. With over 19 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2005, she brings extensive expertise to her practice. She is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her professional development includes ongoing education and adherence to the latest emergency medicine protocols, ensuring her patients receive evidence-based, high-quality care.

Driven by a philosophy of providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, Dr. Bartels is dedicated to delivering compassionate care even under pressure. She values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team to optimize patient outcomes. Her approach emphasizes patient safety, advocacy, and adherence to best practices in emergency medicine. She delivers emergency care primarily in English and is committed to serving the Kingston community with professionalism and empathy.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• 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): 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.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Initiation of immediate management strategies to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and alleviate respiratory distress.
• 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. Bartels manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Evaluation and care for abrasions and puncture wounds, including foreign body assessment.
• 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): Educating patients on expected recovery times and rehabilitation strategies.

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.

• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Providing local anesthesia and ensuring optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes for wound closures.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Interpreting initial CSF findings (e.g., cell count, glucose, protein) in the emergency setting to guide immediate treatment.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Coordinating the multidisciplinary trauma team response in major injury cases to ensure comprehensive and efficient care.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Confirming tube placement and lung re-expansion with imaging.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Leading and coordinating resuscitation efforts for patients in cardiac arrest, shock, or severe respiratory distress.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Bartels 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 Kingston is located in the Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood. It is easily accessible from Downtown Kingston via Kingston Transit, with clear signage directing patients to the ER entrance. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, including those with mobility challenges. Parking is available on-site, with designated spots reserved for emergency access. Patients arriving by car should follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, providing comprehensive emergency services in coordination with hospital specialties and outpatient departments. The facility is equipped to handle a wide range of urgent health issues, ensuring timely and effective care for those in need.

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

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

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

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

If you need to visit the ER, it's very helpful to bring your provincial health card and any other relevant insurance information. A complete list of your current medications (including name, dosage, and how often you take them), any known drug allergies, and a brief summary of your significant medical history (like major illnesses, past surgeries, or chronic conditions) can greatly assist Dr. Bartels and the ER team. If possible, also bring contact information for your family doctor. For children, their immunization record can be useful if it's readily available.

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

Dr. Bartels 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.

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

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Bartels 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 primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Bartels?

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Bartels, 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.

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

Suite A3915, 76 Stuart Street
Kingston, ON K7L 4V7

Hospital Main Line: (613) 548-2368

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Bartels's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Bartels-Susan-Andrea/0172361-74733