Dr. Thara Kumar – Emergency Room Doctor | Red Deer, AB

Dr. Thara Kumar 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 Red Deer, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Kumar 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.

She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2013. Dr. Kumar holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor and has completed extensive post-graduate training. She possesses the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Room Doctor in Alberta, ensuring her proficiency in emergency medicine practices and protocols.

Dr. Kumar’s 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. She is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Her commitment is to deliver timely, efficient, and compassionate emergency care to the community of Red Deer, communicating fluently in English.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Kumar manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.

• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Initial emergency management of acute coronary syndromes, including EKG interpretation, timely administration of aspirin and antiplatelet agents, cardiac biomarker assessment, and reperfusion strategies if indicated.
• 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).

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Assessing need for hospitalization versus outpatient management based on severity scores.
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Assessing severity of exacerbation using objective measures like peak expiratory flow rate.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Kumar 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): Diagnosis and initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injuries), emphasizing patient and family education regarding symptoms, expected recovery course, cognitive and physical rest, and criteria for graduated return-to-play/activity/school.
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Accurate diagnosis of bone fractures and joint dislocations using thorough physical examination, patient history, and appropriate imaging studies (X-rays, occasionally CT or ultrasound).

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: Educating patients on proper wound care and signs of infection following repair.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Managing potential complications like post-LP headache.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• 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.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Ordering and interpreting urgent laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis, cardiac markers, etc.) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds).

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Kumar 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 Red Deer is situated in the North Red Deer (Normandeau, Highland Green) neighborhood. It provides accessible, high-acuity care close to major transportation routes, including proximity to Access to Hwy 2. The facility is easily reachable via Red Deer Transit, with clear signage directing patients to ER parking and drop-off zones. The hospital's ER is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. The emergency department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrated seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to ensure rapid response to urgent health needs.

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

Dr. Kumar, as a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, 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.

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

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Kumar, 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.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Kumar 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.

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. Kumar 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.

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

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. Kumar, 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.

3942 50A Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 4E7

Hospital Main Line: (403) 343-4422

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Kumar is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor 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. Kumar or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Kumar's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=168280e6-fa15-4d8e-a5d0-f76d5efce0dc&i=797