Ressource Intermédiaire Maison d'Accueil (RIMA) - CPR and First Aid Standards

What is a Résource Intermédiaire Maison d'Accueil (RIMA)?

An intermediate resource home (RIMA) is a special type of intermediate resource in Quebec, designed to provide an adapted living environment for people requiring additional support in their daily lives. RIMAs can accommodate different types of users, including the elderly, people with physical or intellectual disabilities, or people living with mental health problems.

RIMAs are operated by individuals or organizations, often in a main residence, where support and assistance services are offered to help users maintain or improve their quality of life. They are distinguished from other types of intermediate resources by their community-based approach and their ability to provide an environment that is as close as possible to a family living environment.

First aid standards for RIMAs

RIMAs must comply with specific first-aid standards to ensure user safety. These standards include requirements for first-aid training and the availability of trained personnel on site. Here are the main requirements:

1. First aid training: Anyone wishing to operate a RIMA must have up-to-date training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and general first aid, provided by a recognized organization. This training ensures that on-site responders have the necessary skills to react quickly and effectively in the event of a medical emergency.

2. Constant presence of a trained person: It is mandatory that at least one person trained in CPR and general first aid be present at all times in the RIMA living environment. This requirement ensures that, in the event of an emergency, immediate action can be taken. An exception to this rule applies when the person present in the living environment is there only occasionally and for a short time.

3. Specific exemptions: Although first aid requirements are rigorous for RIMAs, certain exemptions may apply to family-type residences (FTRs) with exercise limitations, such as local foster families or FTRs in aboriginal communities. For the latter, first-aid training remains highly recommended, but is not always mandatory.

These standards are designed to ensure that RIMA users benefit from a safe environment, where staff are able to react appropriately in the event of incidents, thus contributing to the quality of life and safety of all.

Académie Saint-Bernard's “Secouriste - Grand public général (8h)” training course

To help intermediary host resources meet first-aid requirements, Académie Saint-Bernard offers a comprehensive, customized training program: “Secouriste - Grand public général (8h)”. This training is specially designed to prepare RIMA responders to deal with medical emergencies and potential accidents. This training includes

- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques: Participants learn CPR techniques on adults, children and infants, with training on the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

- First aid for injuries: The program covers emergency care for cuts, burns, fractures and other common injuries.

- Responding to medical emergencies: Participants are trained to respond to situations such as heart attacks, strokes, severe allergic reactions and choking.

- Accident prevention: Training includes practical tips for minimizing the risk of accidents in the living environment, to ensure a safe environment for users.

This eight-hour training course is designed to meet the specific needs of RIMAs, ensuring that personnel have the skills they need to respond quickly to emergencies. It is recognized by regulatory bodies and complies with the latest first-aid standards.

Why choose Académie Saint-Bernard?

Académie Saint-Bernard stands out for its commitment to providing quality training tailored to the needs of intermediate resources. By choosing “Secouriste - Grand public général (8h)” training, RIMA managers can ensure that their personnel are well prepared to respond to emergency situations, and that first aid requirements are fully met.

What's more, Académie Saint-Bernard offers customized solutions for RIMAs, providing tailor-made training that takes into account the specifics of each environment and the particular needs of users. These courses can be delivered on-site, at the Académie's premises, or in a hybrid format, offering greater flexibility for participants.

Conclusion

Residential intermediate resources (RIMA) are an essential part of Quebec's support network, providing a safe living environment for people in need of additional care. First aid standards are designed to ensure that users benefit from an optimum level of safety, by ensuring that staff are trained to react effectively in the event of an emergency.

With Académie Saint-Bernard's “Secouriste - Grand public général (8h)” training course, RIMAs can easily meet regulatory requirements and provide an even safer environment for their users. This comprehensive and recognized training enables them to comply with first aid standards, while improving the quality of care and services provided. For RIMA managers, it's an opportunity to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, while complying with legal and professional obligations.