Thinking of stepping into the world of film and TV as a set medic? Even if you won’t be delivering dramatic monologues or performing daring stunts, you’ll still be right in the action, ready to step in and provide essential medical support whenever it’s needed.
Being a set medic comes with a big set of responsibilities, as you’ll be the one keeping the crew safe, healthy, and ready to perform their best. Having some key soft skills will help you carry out these responsibilities in a warm and professional manner.
Premier Medics have provided medical support services to productions of all shapes and sizes, so we know what makes a great set medic. Below, we break down the five soft skills that will set you up for success!
1. Clear Communication
Things move fast on a film set. Crews are constantly on the move and time is precious, so when you need to share information - whether with production, directors, crew, or cast - you need to know how to make quick, clinical decisions and communicate them effectively. Clear and direct communication lets you implement a treatment plan swiftly, helping to keep the schedule on track with minimal interruptions.
2. Flexibility
Film sets are famously unpredictable; schedules change at the drop of a hat, and scenes may be rewritten, locations shifted, and timelines extended without warning.
As a set medic, you’ll need to be ready to adapt to this fluid environment. Flexibility allows you to remain calm and resourceful, even when your day doesn’t go as planned. You might find yourself providing first aid one moment, then organising preventative care the next.
Being flexible also means being able to work effectively with various crew members who may have different priorities and work styles. The more adaptable you are, the more value you bring to the team.
3. Reliability
Cast and crew members put in long, gruelling hours, so they need to feel they can rely on their medic to be prepared to respond to any issue. Arriving on time, staying attentive, and following through on your commitments helps build trust, as people know you’ll be there when they need you. This trust is especially important in a high-pressure environment, where unexpected injuries or health concerns can bring extra stress to an already busy schedule.
4. Emotional Intelligence
Film sets are often emotionally charged places, with long hours, high expectations, and the added pressure of everyone’s hard work coming together. Having high emotional intelligence helps you approach these intense situations with empathy, patience, and calm. You’ll be able to connect well with people under stress, while also noticing signs of mental or emotional strain that might affect health and safety. Being compassionate and understanding lets you create a supportive space where the cast and crew feel comfortable reaching out for help if they need it.
Emotional intelligence also helps you navigate delicate conversations or situations, like sharing feedback on safety measures or discreetly addressing personal needs.
5. Problem-Solving Skills
Being able to think on your feet and solve problems quickly is a huge asset for any set medic. Film production moves fast, and when someone’s health is involved, every second counts. You’ll need to assess situations quickly and make solid decisions under pressure, even when information is limited.
Strong problem-solving skills help you handle medical situations as they come up, whether it’s finding the best way to transport an injured person from a remote location or managing minor injuries that could otherwise slow down production.
Join the Premier Medics Team!
A film set medic’s role is one-of-a-kind, combining essential medical expertise with strong interpersonal skills. As you develop in this field, you’ll become a trusted member of any production team - someone who helps everyone feel safe, supported, and ready to tackle the day ahead.
Are you passionate about becoming a set medic and confident in your skills to provide outstanding care? Premier Medics is excited to welcome skilled freelance medics and paramedics from across the UK to join our team. Here are some of the roles we’re currently recruiting for:
- Experienced ECPs, ANPs, and ACPs with backgrounds in acute and emergency care.
- Paramedics with a minimum of one year post-qualification experience, skilled in remote or independent practice, capable of on-site assessment and treatment.
- First responders with practical experience and a First Response Emergency Care qualification (Level 3 or higher).
Ready to join us? Send your CV to [email protected] and let us know which role you’re interested in. We look forward to hearing from you!
