A practical guide for producers, production managers and creators on working out what medical and safety cover a shoot needs.
What the law asks for
In the UK, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and people, based on an assessment of their first aid needs. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and access to competent health and safety help. Neither sets a fixed number of medics for a film set; both expect you to assess your own production. This is general information, not legal advice.
What drives the level of cover
- Activities: stunts, action vehicles, water, height, fire and SFX, animals, children.
- People: cast and crew numbers, supporting artists, and any public or audience.
- Location: studio or location, ground and access, and how remote it is.
- Distance to hospital and how long an NHS ambulance could take to reach the set.
- Time: day length, night work, weather and season.
- Phase: build, rigging and de-rig carry their own risks, not just shoot days.
Who's who in production medical and safety
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Unit medic / set medic | Looks after cast and crew health through the day and responds to injury and illness. More |
| Stunt paramedic or higher-level clinician | Paramedic, nurse or doctor for higher-risk sequences, planned with the stunt coordinator. More |
| Production safety advisor | Recces, risk assessments and method statements, contractor checks and advice. More |
| On-site safety manager | Puts the plan into practice on the day and reassesses as things change. More |
| Water safety team | Bankside responders and in-water safety staff for shoots on or near water. More |
| Fire cover | Fire prevention and rapid intervention for fire scenes, pyrotechnics and high-risk sites. More |
A simple process
- List the higher-risk elements from the script and schedule.
- Recce the locations with safety in mind: access, ground, edges, water and the route to hospital.
- Write production-specific RAMS and agree the controls.
- Book cover that matches the risk, day by day if it changes.
- Brief cast and crew, and review as the shoot goes on.
Medirek can help with every step. Risk assessments and tech recces · pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a medic legally required on a film set?
UK law requires employers to make adequate and appropriate first aid provision based on an assessment of their needs, rather than naming a specific role. On many productions that assessment points to a dedicated medic, especially with higher-risk activity, remote locations or large crews.
How many medics does a film shoot need?
There is no fixed number. It depends on the activities, the number of cast and crew, how remote the location is, how far away the nearest hospital is, how long the days are and whether the public are involved. Medirek will recommend a level of cover and explain why.
What is the difference between a safety advisor and a safety manager?
A safety advisor helps you plan, often through recces, risk assessments and advice. A safety manager is on site during the shoot or build, putting the plan into practice and responding when things change. Medirek provides both.
When should I book medical and safety cover?
As early as possible, ideally before the tech recce, so the medical and safety plan can shape the schedule rather than being added at the end.