About the Author – Lee Burks

Meet Lee Burks

Set Medic, Author, and Consultant

Lee Burks is more than a set medic. He is a trusted professional dedicated to the safety and success of film productions. With years of experience in the entertainment industry, Lee has served as a first responder for emergencies on set, ensuring the health and well-being of cast and crew.

What sets Lee apart is his ability to balance professionalism, empathy, and precision under pressure. Beyond medical support, he mentors new medics, trains production teams, and raises awareness about the critical role of safety in film and TV.

His passion for sharing knowledge led him to author So You Want to Be a Set Medic, a practical resource for anyone looking to join the field.

My mission is to ensure that every production environment is safe, prepared, and capable of handling challenges with confidence.

Lee Burks

Safety Expert for Entertainment Industry

Lee Burks is a seasoned professional in production safety, bringing over 33 years of experience in Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including both 911 response and non-emergent transports. With over 14 years of expertise in the Film and Television industry as a set medic, Lee dedicated five of those years to focusing on health and safety within production environments. He spent 1 year as a Business Rep within a Local focusing on member needs, contract enforcement, organizing and addressing safety concerns, before returning to set.

He holds a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health, complemented by several prestigious certifications, including Graduate Safety Professional (GSP) through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), Associate Safety and Health Manager (ASHM) from the Institute for Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM), and Certified Environmental Safety Compliance Officer (CESCO) from the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP). Lee is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration.

Lee’s extensive background equips him with the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure a safe and compliant working environment on set.