Programs &
Community Initiatives
Sierra Frontier Medical Resources (SFMR) is actively engaged in several key projects focused on restoring and sustaining Advanced Life Support (ALS) and comprehensive emergency medical services in Western Sierra County. Our top priority is the Western Sierra County Paramedic Project, which involves hiring and supporting a full-time paramedic through the Downieville Fire Protection District to ensure 24/7 ALS coverage for the region. Simultaneously, we are heavily focused on EMS Staff Training and Education, facilitating courses for Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), EMTs, and Advanced EMTs to expand our local volunteer base.
We also support the Downieville Ambulance Urgent Care (DAUC), providing essential medical care when the main clinic is unavailable. These projects are sustained by the successful EMS Funding Measures approved by local voters, which provide long-term, blended financial support via property tax and the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
TOT Funding for Rural Health and Emergency Services
Our organization, SFMR, works in close partnership with Sierra County to establish a robust and effective system for managing local revenue. Our primary focus is ensuring that the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) the tax collected from temporary lodging, such as hotels, motels, and short-term rentals, is directly and responsibly reinvested into the community that generates it.
Sustaining Essential Emergency Services
The revenue generated by local tourism dollars is strategically allocated to support vital health and safety initiatives across the county. These funds are critical for sustaining essential community services, such as providing operational budget, training, and equipment for the Downieville Volunteer Fire Department.
In remote mountain regions like ours, maintaining adequate emergency response coverage presents unique and persistent challenges. These include:
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Vast Geographic Area: Covering extensive, often difficult-to-access terrain.
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Volunteer Reliance: Supporting and equipping an entirely volunteer staff.
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Infrastructure Costs: The high cost of maintaining specialized vehicles, radio systems, and facilities in a harsh environment.
The TOT funds are instrumental in offsetting these challenges, allowing these crucial departments to purchase necessary gear, conduct regular training, and maintain a rapid, effective response capability for both year-round residents and seasonal visitors.
Paramedic Recruitment & Retention Program
SFMR is working to address the ongoing shortage of qualified paramedics in Sierra County.
We support efforts to recruit, train, and retain skilled emergency medical professionals through stipends, housing assistance, and educational partnerships.
Our goal is to create a pipeline of trained responders who are part of the community, not just passing through it, ensuring long-term stability in rural emergency medical coverage.
Support for the Downieville Volunteer Fire Department
SFMR provides annual funding and logistical support to the Downieville Volunteer Fire Department, a critical component of Sierra County’s emergency response network.
Our contributions help maintain vital equipment, training, and readiness, so that when disaster strikes, our community is never left waiting.
This partnership reflects our shared mission to keep Sierra County residents and visitors safe, 24/7.
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Community Health Resilience Grants
Through targeted mini-grants, SFMR supports local initiatives that promote public health, safety, and preparedness.
Past projects have included CPR training sessions, defibrillator placement in public spaces, and health education workshops for youth and seniors.
These grassroots investments ensure that health awareness and emergency readiness extend beyond hospitals and into every corner of our mountain towns.
Emergency Response Education & Outreach and Education Grants
SFMR helps foster a culture of preparedness through public education programs on emergency medical services.
We work alongside community and volunteer organizations to deliver or supply grants for hands-on training that builds confidence and resilience.
Because in a small mountain community, everyone plays a part in keeping one another safe.
