On the Set Medics
How does it work?
National Set Medics® and National Event Medics™ provide BLS, ALS, and Reality Medics® services for TV, film, reality shows, and live events nationwide. We also offer specialty rescue services, including Motorcycle Rescue, Water Rescue, and Fire Prevention Medics, among others.
We guarantee payment regardless of whether the client pays—if you work, you are paid. All medics are additionally covered under our Medical Malpractice Insurance policy.
We welcome medics at every career stage—from newcomers to seasoned veterans (“Noob through Crusty”)—offering opportunities that match your experience and certification.
Productions often seek us out, and we actively pursue opportunities for our medics. Booking notifications can arrive anytime, sometimes last-minute, or with ample notice. Part-time positions may last from a single day to several weeks or months, depending on client needs.
When securing a booking, we reference our database of Registered Medics and select personnel based on location, certification, availability, last login, and specific client requirements.
Certain productions may require special skills or certifications, including Lifeguard, Water or Rope Rescue, Firefighter, Security, Tactical, Critical Care, or Suturing—only include skills you are certified in.
While travel or housing is rarely covered, it can occasionally be provided. Therefore, “Work Alerts” are typically sent only to medics near the production location unless a specific need arises.
Register for Work Alerts Here
About the Medic Portal
Our Medic Portal makes it simple to manage your work with National Set Medics®. You can:
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Receive and respond to Work Alerts
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Fill out timecards
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Track your jobs and assignments
You can also update your profile anytime—change your address, phone number, and areas of interest. Work Alerts are sent based on zip code, city, nearby major cities, or special skills.
Privacy is important to us. We do not sell or share your email, phone number, or any other information. Your data is used solely for National Set Medics® business. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Stay connected and get news and updates by following us on Facebook: @National Set Medics
When you say “Medic” do you mean Paramedic or EMT?
YES!
For simplicity, the film & event industry calls all EMT and Paramedics “Medics”
So when you see the term “Medic” that means EMT or Paramedic.
How does it work?
National Set and Event Medics offers BLS, ALS and REALITY MEDIC™ services for TV, Film, Reality Shows and Live Events Nationwide. We also offer specialty rescue options such as Motorcycle Rescue, Water Rescue and fire prevention medics; just to name a few.
We seek out productions and productions seek us out. We never know when or where the next production will happen.
Often these calls come in last minute. Other times we have plenty of notice. Part time positions can be one day, three weeks or two months depending on our client’s needs.
When we secure a booking, we reference our database of Registered Medics We select medics based on location, certification, availability, etc.
Sometimes there are needs for special skills and certifications. These include: Lifeguards, Water and Rope Rescue, Firefighter Cert, Police, Security, Tactical, Critical Care even Suturing. If you possess any of these skills please include them but only the skills you are certified in.
Rarely do we (or the client) pay for travel or housing. Therefore, we will not send “Work Alerts” to medics not near the location unless there is a need to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you hire?
You must be a current EMT, paramedic or have a higher certification such as a nurse, PA or doctor. We also hire Lifeguards, and other specialty rescue personnel like Rope, swift water and high-angle rescue!
Taxes: W2 or 1099?
You are a subcontractor. At the end of the year if you meet the IRS minimum threshold (Currently $600) you will receive a 1099 form from us. Please review your agreement for full details.
Do you have any full-time positions?
Currently we do not have any full time positions.
What insurance is provided.
When you are working on one of our productions/events you are included on our Medical Malpractice Insurance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You are only covered for the scope of practice your are booked for. If you go beyond outside this scope, you are not covered. Unless notified otherwise, you are a “First Responder”
As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own Workers Compensation. If Workers compensation is provided, you will be notified in writing.
*This is not a complete listing of terms, please see your agreement full terms and conditions
Do you have to be “Nationally Certified”?
No, we book local medics close to the film site. So your local certification is all that is required. If we do travel you out of your area you will be working under our own medical protocols.
How do I know when something is available in my area?
The only way to assure you get notified of Work Alerts” is by registering on our portal. We do not sell your information and you can cancel anytime.
“Do you have anything coming up in _________?”
We get frequent emails and Facebook questions asking if we have any jobs in “X” location.
We go where the production goes and we rarely have a lot of notice beforehand.
Your only guaranteed chance of being notified of official openings is by registering on our portal.
How / When do we get paid?
You are paid as a subcontractor “1099”. After the gig you will fill out an on-line time sheet on our portal. Once the times are confirmed by the production company and we have received all your documentation, any equipment on loan, etc. in good order, we issue payments on the 1st and 15th of the month. Your pay date could be delayed if your time submission(s) require confirmation, pending equipment return or additional paperwork is late. We pay you regardless if the production pays us.
Who's protocols are we working under?
Unless notified otherwise, you are working as a “First Responder”, “Basic First Aid” regardless of your certification.
If you are working an ALS or Reality Medic gig, then you will be working under our doctors’ protocols. Protocols and additional details are provided once hired for the position.
A few points of note:
- We do not perform services to the general public. We only provide services to the cast, crew or participants of an event or production.
- You are required to have your own kit. Sometimes a kit is provided. You will be notified at the time of booking.
What is a Reality Medic® and how do I become one?
Reality Medics are paramedics (or higher certification) we send out to the most challenging and remote locations (Including international). Examples include shows such as Discovery’s Naked and Afraid and Deadliest Catch.
A Reality Medic is someone who has spent their medical careers perfecting their skill and knowledge, in great physical shape, professional and well experienced in the field. We typically look for flight medics, critical care medics, combat medics, etc.
Reality Medics are expected to have performed most if not all paramedic skills reliably in the field; plus more. Suturing experience is also a great, although not required, skill to have.
Reality Medics operate under broad protocols with 24 hour access to our dedicated medical director.
If you think you have what it takes and want to submit your information for consideration register on our portal and follow the instructions.
What if the producer wants to book me directly at a later date.
If the producer is very pleased with your work. Thank you. Typically when a producer reaches out to the medic, they think they are reaching out to National Set Medics.
In such cases, it is important that you refer them back to our corporate office for re-booking.
Accepting a booking from a party that we introduced you to is a violation of your agreement.
Worst yet, by doing so, you are still representing National Set Medics and the production company may assume they are covered under the same insurance and guarantees we provide. If something happens you are liable for everything.
Please review your agreement for the specific details because we take these matters seriously and we pursue violations forcefully.
Why so serious? We invest tens of thousands of dollars to procure these engagements and maintain a certain level of service.
What does this not mean? This does not mean you can’t do your own thing. This is not a non-compete. If you provide a similar service, that is fine. You just can’t perform your service to party’s we introduce you to, through your services with us. Again, please review your agreement carefully.
What if I am Union?
We are a Non-Union organization. We do not work with or represent IATSE in any fashion. We cannot get you on the roster or help you with any union matters.
With that said, producers occasionally ask us for union medics. As a courtesy to both the producer and our union brothers and sisters, we may send out work alerts to our registered Union Medics. Those who are available to work may respond and we will pass your information to them.
We simply pass your personal contact information to the producer. You negotiate with the producer directly. We do not pay you, you do not pay us. Any problems, payments, etc. is between you, IATSE and the producer. We guarantee nothing and represent nothing.
As a union medic you can select two registration options:
- You may elect to receive only Union Work Alerts.
- You may elect to receive both Union and Non-Union Work Alerts
- If you are hired for a non-union job you accept and acknowledge that we do not provide union rates or union benefits.
If you register as a union medic and are not a union medic you will be placed on our “Do Not Hire” list and will not receive any future Work Alerts for either union or non-union productions.
Medic Testimonials
I can personally attest that you pay your employees no matter what! I remember all of that from Reggie Rise Up.
Much Respect Dan - I dealt with a small "fly by night" organization years ago and had to chase them down to get paid. Great to see an organization in this space that has some integrity!!!
Hats off and kudos to National Set Medics!! It’s so nice to see some companies with a functioning moral compass left in this day and age!
I can say as well that National Set Medics never misses a payment. They pay no matter what. Miss working here.
I’ve absolutely loved my experiences with National Set Medics. I would never work for another company.
I for one can attest that NSM takes great care of their crews and their checks always clear! One of the best experiences I’ve had in my career!
The crew was great to work with. They treated me as if I had been working with them the entire time. I had a walkie with an ear piece. I knew what was going on at all times. Everyone kept thanking me for being there. This being my first event and I could not have planned a better experience.
The process to get this opportunity was by word of mouth. I heard about this opportunity from a friend of a friend. So, you never know how that could go. Actually, it was surprisingly easy. I filled out the quick application, received confirmation of the job I was working and received updates in a timely manner. All the information I needed was in the emails.
In my eight years in Fire and EMS this was hands down one of the most interesting experiences I have ever had the opportunity to be part of. I would gladly work another shift when available.
NSM medics were assigned as actors for a commercial shoot.
Best thing about NSM? On great occasions, I get to have a partner to work with........and I got a great one today!
What opportunities do we provide?
Set & Event Medics
TV, Film, Live Events
Requirements:
- EMT, Paramedic or higher certification
- Local Certification or National Registry
- Having your own BLS kit is a plus!
- A suggested BLS kit list is available once you register
Specialty Medics
For more Advanced Productions
- Lifeguard and Swift Water
- Firefighter, etc.
- Rope Rescue
- If you got it; Flont it!
Reality Medic Services
Remote Action Rescue
- These are the most advanced and skilled medics we can find
- These are also medics who have an aptitude for wilderness survival
- Most are Flight, Military and Critical Care Medics with 10 or more years in the field
- Examples of this service includes Naked and Afraid, Naked and Afraid XL and Deadliest Catch where medics are posted at remote locations on long running and reality shows with patient transfers of over an hour
- This would include international locations
- There is a strong need for women with these skills
- If you think you have what it takes to be a Reality Medic click here to register as a potential Reality Medic. (We will still reach out to you for standard Set and Event Medic gigs also.)
Useful Links
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