The Vital Role of Onsite Medics: Ensuring Safety on Every Film and TV Set
- Eric Burgess
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
Film and television sets are dynamic environments where creativity meets physical activity, often under tight schedules and high pressure. This combination can lead to accidents and medical emergencies that disrupt production and risk the health of cast and crew. Having an onsite medic is not just a precaution; it is a critical component of a safe and efficient set. This article explains why every film and TV production, regardless of size, needs medical staffing and how Event Medical Staffing of Ohio can help provide these essential services.
Why Medical Staffing Matters on Film Sets
Film sets involve a wide range of activities, from stunts and special effects to long hours under hot lights or outdoor conditions. These factors increase the likelihood of injuries and medical issues. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the entertainment industry experiences thousands of workplace injuries annually, including falls, burns, and strains. Even minor injuries can escalate without prompt care, leading to lost workdays and higher costs.
Medical staffing onsite ensures immediate response to injuries such as:
Cuts and lacerations from equipment or props
Sprains and fractures from falls or physical stunts
Heat exhaustion or dehydration during outdoor shoots
Allergic reactions or asthma attacks triggered by environmental factors
Cardiac events or other sudden medical emergencies
Having trained medical professionals onsite reduces the risk of complications and helps maintain production schedules by minimizing downtime.
Injuries and Medical Issues Across All Types of Sets
The need for onsite medics is not limited to large blockbuster productions. Small independent films, commercials, and TV shows also face risks that require medical readiness. For example:
Large sets with complex stunts and heavy equipment often see higher injury rates due to the scale and physical demands.
Small sets may lack the resources or space for quick hospital access, making onsite care vital.
Outdoor shoots expose crews to weather-related health risks like heatstroke or hypothermia.
Studio shoots can involve exposure to chemicals, lighting hazards, or repetitive strain injuries.
In all cases, onsite medical staff provide a first line of defense, offering treatment, triage, and coordination with emergency services if needed.
How Event Medical Staffing of Ohio Supports Film and TV Productions
Event Medical Staffing of Ohio specializes in providing professional medical personnel tailored to the unique needs of film and television productions. Their services include:
Certified Paramedics and EMTs trained in trauma and emergency care
Customized medical plans based on the specific risks of each production
Onsite medical stations equipped with essential supplies and equipment
Rapid response protocols to handle emergencies efficiently
By partnering with Event Medical Staffing of Ohio, production teams gain peace of mind knowing that expert care is immediately available. This support helps keep the set safe, compliant with regulations, and focused on creative work.
Practical Benefits of Having an Onsite Medic
Beyond emergency response, onsite medics contribute to overall set safety in several ways:
Prevention and education: Medics can advise on safe practices and identify hazards before accidents occur.
Health monitoring: They can monitor crew health during long or strenuous shoots, spotting early signs of fatigue or illness.
Compliance: Many states and unions require medical staffing for certain types of productions, ensuring legal compliance.
Faster recovery: Immediate treatment reduces injury severity and speeds up return to work.
Morale: Knowing medical help is close improves crew confidence and focus.
Real-World Examples of Potential Onsite Impact
A stunt performer suffers a severe ankle sprain during a shoot. Our onsite medics can provided immediate immobilization and pain management, arrange transport to a hospital, and communicate with production to adjust the schedule. This quick action can prevent further injury and minimize delays.
A production crew filming outdoors in summer face multiple cases of heat exhaustion. Our medical staff can man onsite hydration stations, monitor crew members, prevent serious heatstroke incidents and keep the shoot on track.
Steps to Ensure Your Set Has Proper Medical Staffing
Assess your production risks: Consider stunts, equipment, location, and crew size.
Consult with medical staffing professionals: Discuss your needs and regulations.
Develop a medical plan: Include onsite coverage, emergency protocols, and supplies.
Train your crew: Make sure everyone knows how to access medical help.
Review and update: Adjust plans as production evolves.
Event Medical Staffing of Ohio offers consultation and flexible staffing options to fit any production size or complexity. Contact us for more information or a free quote here today!
