Calgary

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Health and Medical Emergencies

Access to hospitals, urgent care, and medical assistance for residents and visitors.

Sections

1. Emergency Categories

In Calgary, medical emergencies can range from life-threatening situations to minor injuries or illnesses. Here are the main categories:

a. Life-Threatening Emergencies

  • Heart attacks, strokes, severe bleeding, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
  • Major accidents, such as car crashes or falls causing head/spinal injuries.

b. Non-Life-Threatening but Urgent Issues

  • Broken bones, sprains, minor burns, or deep cuts requiring stitches.
  • High fever, severe dehydration, or persistent vomiting.

c. Minor Illnesses or Injuries

  • Colds, flu, mild infections, or minor cuts and bruises.
  • These can often be treated at walk-in clinics or by family doctors.

d. Mental Health Emergencies

  • Suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, or psychotic episodes.
  • Calgary has specific resources for mental health crises.

2. Costs of Medical Services

Healthcare costs in Calgary depend on your residency status and insurance coverage:

a. For Canadian Residents

  • Alberta residents are covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), which covers most medically necessary services, including emergency care.
  • There are no direct costs for emergency room visits, but some services (e.g., ambulance rides, prescription medications, or dental emergencies) may incur fees.

b. For Visitors and Non-Residents

  • Visitors and immigrants without AHCIP coverage must pay for medical services out-of-pocket unless they have private travel or health insurance.
  • Ambulance Fees: Approximately CAD $250โ€“$400 for a single trip.
  • Emergency Room Visits: Costs can range from CAD $500โ€“$1,000 or more, depending on the treatment required.
  • Hospital Stays: Can cost thousands of dollars per day without insurance.

c. Travel Insurance

  • Visitors are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before arriving in Canada to cover unexpected medical expenses.

3. Procedures to Follow in a Medical Emergency

If you or someone else experiences a medical emergency in Calgary, follow these steps:

a. For Life-Threatening Emergencies

  1. Call 911 immediately. This is the emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services in Canada.
  2. Provide the dispatcher with:
    • Your location (address or landmark).
    • A description of the emergency.
    • The condition of the patient (e.g., unconscious, bleeding, etc.).
  3. Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.
  4. Administer first aid if you are trained to do so.

b. For Non-Life-Threatening but Urgent Issues

  • Visit the nearest Urgent Care Centre or Emergency Room (ER). Calgary has several facilities (see below).
  • If transportation is an issue, you can call a taxi or rideshare service, but note that ambulances are faster and equipped for emergencies.

c. For Minor Illnesses or Injuries

  • Visit a walk-in clinic or book an appointment with a family doctor.
  • Many pharmacies in Calgary also offer basic health consultations and vaccinations.

d. For Mental Health Crises

  • Call the Distress Centre Calgary at 403-266-4357 (24/7 crisis line).
  • Alternatively, visit the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre for mental health support.

4. Available Emergency Services

Calgary has a robust healthcare system with various facilities and services for emergencies:

a. Hospitals with Emergency Rooms

  1. Foothills Medical Centre
    • Address: 1403 29 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
    • Specializes in trauma, neurology, and cardiac care.
  2. Rockyview General Hospital
    • Address: 7007 14 St SW, Calgary, AB T2V 1P9
    • Known for general emergency care and surgical services.
  3. Peter Lougheed Centre
    • Address: 3500 26 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6J4
    • Offers emergency services and specialized care.
  4. South Health Campus
    • Address: 4448 Front St SE, Calgary, AB T3M 1M4
    • A newer facility with comprehensive emergency services.

b. Urgent Care Centres

  • For non-life-threatening but urgent issues, visit:
    • Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre (1213 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0X7).
    • South Calgary Health Centre (31 Sunpark Plaza SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3W5).

c. Ambulance Services

  • Operated by Alberta Health Services (AHS).
  • Call 911 for immediate dispatch.

d. Poison Control

  • For poisoning emergencies, call the Alberta Poison and Drug Information Service (PADIS) at 1-800-332-1414.

e. Pharmacies

  • Pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart and London Drugs are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications, vaccinations, and minor health consultations.

5. Local Considerations for Accessing Healthcare

a. Wait Times

  • Emergency rooms in Calgary can have long wait times, especially for non-critical cases. Patients are triaged based on the severity of their condition.
  • Urgent Care Centres often have shorter wait times for less severe issues.

b. Language Support

  • Most healthcare providers in Calgary speak English. Interpretation services are available in hospitals for non-English speakers.

c. Accessibility

  • Calgaryโ€™s healthcare facilities are wheelchair accessible, and public transportation (buses and C-Trains) can help you reach most hospitals and clinics.

d. COVID-19 Considerations

  • If you suspect you have COVID-19, do not visit an ER or clinic directly. Instead, call Health Link Alberta at 811 for guidance on testing and treatment.

e. Health Link Alberta (811)

  • This is a free, 24/7 phone service where registered nurses provide advice on medical concerns and direct you to appropriate care.

6. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Carry Identification: Always have your passport, visa, or health card (if applicable) with you when seeking medical care.
  • Know Your Insurance Details: Keep a copy of your travel or health insurance policy and emergency contact numbers.
  • Learn Basic First Aid: Knowing how to handle minor injuries or perform CPR can be invaluable in emergencies.
  • Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the locations of nearby hospitals and clinics, especially if youโ€™re staying in Calgary for an extended period.

By following these guidelines, you can navigate Calgaryโ€™s healthcare system effectively in case of a medical emergency. Let me know if you need further details!