Medirek provides unit medics, set medics and film paramedics to film, TV and media productions, from a single medic on a one-day shoot to larger clinical teams for higher-risk work. Cover is assessed against the production's risk, staff are DBS checked and uniformed, and qualifications range from FREC 3, FREC 4, ECA and RTACC through to HCPC-registered paramedics and nurses, with doctors where the risk calls for it.
Set medic, unit medic, film medic, location medic: whatever your production calls the role, the job is the same. Keep cast and crew well, deal with problems early, and be ready for the serious incident nobody wants.
What a Medirek unit medic does on set
Medirek briefs its medics not to sit in their car all day, and not to raid craft services. They are briefed to be visible and mobile, to introduce themselves to departments and to let crew get to know them. That way people come to them early with the headache, the blister, the cut hand or the bad back, and small problems are dealt with before they turn into something that costs the production time and money. Read more about how Medirek works on set.
- Minor ailments and welfare through the day, so cast and crew stay comfortable and on set.
- Specific medical needs identified in planning and on arrival, so anyone with a known condition is looked after.
- Trauma care with equipment akin to that carried on frontline emergency ambulances.
- Rapid, concise handover to the NHS ambulance service when someone needs hospital.
- Safety awareness on set, backed by Medirek's health and safety consultancy.
Cover matched to your risk
Medirek works with the production team to decide the right level of cover, rather than selling a fixed package. A dialogue-heavy interior day might need one first responder. A build with rigging at height, a vehicle sequence or a remote location might need a paramedic, a nurse or a doctor, extra medics or an ambulance. Staffing ranges from a solo film medic to larger teams where the risk of injury, or how severe an injury could be, is higher.
| Role | Typical use on a production |
|---|---|
| FREC 3 first responder | Lower-risk shoots, unit base, welfare and minor injuries |
| FREC 4, ECA (Emergency Care Assistant) or RTACC | Most location and studio days, build and rigging |
| HCPC-registered paramedic | Stunts, action vehicles, remote locations, higher-risk days |
| Nurse or doctor | Specialist and remote work, or where definitive care must be given on site |
The right mix is set by the risk assessment for each production.
Where Medirek's set medics work
- One-off shoots: a day or two for a TV shoot, commercial or corporate film.
- Full production cover: staffing that changes with the schedule and the risk.
- TV studio cover: long or short term, for cast, crew and studio audiences.
- Rigging, build and de-rig: medics on site for the whole build, not just shoot days.
- Stunts and action vehicles: see stunt medical cover.
- Water work: medics alongside water safety teams.
- Remote and difficult locations: 4×4-capable response vehicles and the right clinical mix.
- Studios and locations across London and the South East.
- Closed and confidential sets: staff work under production NDAs and confidentiality.
- Last-minute requests: Medirek endeavours to help all productions, including last-minute requests where possible.
Professional standards
All film medics are DBS checked, uniformed and hold recognised qualifications for the care they give. Medirek operates strict clinical governance, overseen by its GMC-registered Medical Director and a clinical team including paramedics and frontline medical staff, to keep care consistent. It carries £2 million medical malpractice and £10 million public liability insurance. Medirek has provided film medic and safety management services for productions for Channel 4, ITV, the BBC and BBC Worldwide, as well as YouTube shows and streaming productions. See productions Medirek has supported.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a unit medic and a set medic?
In practice the terms are used interchangeably. Both describe a medic attached to a production to look after cast and crew. Some productions use 'unit medic' for the medic based with the unit and 'set medic' for the medic on the shooting floor. Medirek can provide either or both.
Do I need a medic on my film set?
Employers must make adequate and appropriate first aid provision based on an assessment of their first aid needs. On many productions that means a dedicated medic, especially with stunts, vehicles, height, water, remote locations or large crews. Medirek can help you assess what your production needs.
Can one medic cover a whole shoot?
Often, yes, on lower-risk shoots. Where the risk or the size of the crew is higher, Medirek will recommend extra medics, a paramedic or an ambulance and explain why.
Are your medics DBS checked?
Yes. All Medirek film medics are DBS checked, uniformed and hold recognised qualifications for the care they provide.
Provided by Medirek – Safety and Medical. More on medirek.co.uk.
Related services
Stunt Medical Cover & Higher-Level Clinicians
Stunt medical cover for film and TV: paramedics, nurses and doctors matched to the stunt, planned with your stunt coordinator, plus rescue staff.
Ambulance Cover & Conveyance
Ambulance cover and conveyance for film and TV productions, plus 4×4-capable response vehicles for remote locations. Arranged to suit your risk.
Film & TV Health and Safety Consultancy
Film and TV health and safety consultancy from hands-on production safety advisors: tech recces, production-specific RAMS and on-site safety support.
Covering productions in Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, across the UK and internationally.