We often get asked what is the career path to becoming a TV or Film medic – so we have prepared a simple guide to working in the TV and film production industry. Have you ever watched a game show, a major sporting event, a live TV show or an on-location film shoot and wondered what it takes to look after the medical side of things behind the scenes?
Those professionals are TV Medics – experienced healthcare practitioners who provide expert care in dynamic, fast-paced environments. But, how do they get this gig? What skills are needed and who do they approach?
At Premier Medics, we specialise in providing medical cover for film and TV productions across the UK. Whether you are an Advanced Practitioner, Paramedic, Emergency Care Professional, ECA or Technician – working as a TV Medic could be an exciting and rewarding step in your career.
Below, we answer the most common questions about how to become a TV Medic, what the work involves and how to join our growing team at Premier Medics.
What does a TV Medic do?
A TV Medic provides on-site medical support for film, television and media productions. That might include:
- Assessing and treating injuries or illnesses on set
- Managing medical emergencies in remote or high-pressure environments
- Working closely with production teams to ensure cast, crew and audience safety
- Providing advice on medical safety planning and risk assessments
The work is diverse and can range from high-budget productions to live TV broadcasts, reality game shows, music videos, sports coverage and documentaries. No two days are the same. One day you could be stationed at a film studio, the next you might be providing cover for an outdoor shoot or remote location.
Who can work as a TV Medic at Premier Medics?
At Premier Medics, we recruit a range of experienced healthcare professionals who can work confidently and autonomously in acute or pre-hospital environments.
We welcome applications from:
Advanced Practitioners (ECPs, ANPs & ACPs)
We are looking for Advanced Practitioners with proven experience in acute care and emergency settings. You will need to be confident assessing and treating a wide variety of medical presentations, often as the sole clinician on site.
Paramedics
Paramedics should have at least one year post-qualification experience and be comfortable working in remote or independent practice. We expect our Paramedics to be capable of seeing and treating patients in any location from studio sets to outdoor filming environments.
First Response Emergency Care (FREC) Level 3 and above
We also consider applicants who hold FREC Level 3 or higher, provided they have solid hands-on experience. This pathway is ideal for those with a strong background in emergency response or event medical work who are ready for a new challenge.
ECAs & Technicians
We welcome applications from Emergency Care Assistants and Technicians. Ideally you will have a strong background in frontline medical work and be confident assisting senior clinicians but also in working solo.
What characteristics make a great TV Medic?
TV Medic work is exciting but it is also dynamic and unpredictable. Productions move quickly and you will often be working in fast-changing environments with a range of personalities and situations. The hours can be long and you may need to travel between locations – sometimes with very little notice!
The best TV Medics are:
- Pro-active: Anticipating risks and managing safety before issues arise is key.
- Calm under pressure: Filming schedules can be intense. You will need to stay professional and composed even in high-stress moments.
- People-focused: You will interact with everyone from actors to camera crew. Empathy, communication and professionalism go a long way.
- Adaptable: Every job is different. You may need to change location or role at short notice.
- Resourceful: You may not have all the equipment of a hospital or ambulance. Quick thinking and clinical confidence are essential.
- Willing: Sometimes lending an extra pair of hands on set is really valuable to the team you are supporting. All our medics at Premier Medics are recognised for going the extra mile and our reviews support this.
If you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and enjoy using your clinical skills outside traditional settings, TV or Film Medic work could be a perfect fit.
At what stage of my medical career can I become a TV Medic?
Becoming a TV Medic suits professionals who already have a strong foundation in patient care and autonomous decision-making.
Many of our team members join us after several years working in:
- Emergency departments
- Urgent care centres
- Ambulance or pre-hospital services
- Primary or community care
This type of work can be ideal for healthcare professionals who are ready to broaden their experience beyond conventional medical roles while maintaining a strong clinical focus.
Can I work as a TV Medic full time or part time?
Flexibility is one of the key benefits of working with Premier Medics.
You can choose to work:
- Full time, building your schedule around ongoing productions and events
- Part time, as a top-up income alongside your regular NHS or private practice role.
Many of our practitioners enjoy the variety and balance, combining TV Medic shifts with their existing healthcare positions and / or family duties. We offer short-term contracts, ad-hoc opportunities and recurring projects, depending on availability and production schedules.
How do I apply to work as a TV Medic with Premier Medics?
If you are ready to take your clinical career into the world of film and television, joining Premier Medics is simple.
- Check your eligibility: Ensure your qualifications meet our criteria (ECP, ECA, ANP, ACP, Paramedic with one year post-reg, or FREC Level 3+)
- Prepare your documentation: Update your CV, clinical registration, DBS and any relevant certificates
- Apply online: Email our team on [email protected]
Once approved, we will match you with suitable assignments and support you through onboarding, compliance and deployment.
Working as a TV Medic can offer an exciting alternative to traditional healthcare roles but it’s not for everyone – consider how your personality fits the profile we have described. If you’re not sure, call us for a chat or drop us an email and we can give you our advice.
At Premier Medics, we are proud to provide a professional, responsive service trusted by some of the UK’s leading broadcasters and production companies. Whether it’s been a shift on Bridgerton or a roller coaster ride on You Bet On Tour – our team of medics have seen it all! If you are adaptable, proactive and confident in your clinical abilities, this could be the next great step in your career.
Ready to get started?
If you think you’ve got what it takes to be a TV or Film Medic then we’d love to hear from you. We regularly post about live jobs on our LinkedIn page or you can email us at [email protected]
