Paul Lowe died on May 27, 2017, while on a medical trip to Uyo, Nigeria. He will be remembered for his dedication, professionalism and selflessness.
Today, Paul, an award-winning paramedic and Registered Nurse with 30 years experience, is not only still getting paid for the film industry work he loves, he’s built a business that serves the film industry, too.
Epic Safety Systems, based in Paul’s hometown of Rome, is one of the 2,700 film film-related businesses now operating in Georgia. His business, started in 2005, provides medical equipment and medic training.
Paul, a warm and energetic personality, has a passion in life — helping people. “I get lots of satisfaction from helping crew members on set and training the amazing medical professionals who work in the industry,” he says.
Paul’s film career began on the set of “Remember the Titans,” shot in Rome in 1999. He was the medic for hundreds of extras on the set. He immediately fell in love with the energy of the film’s dynamic blend of creative people working together.
“It was a great experience,” Paul says. “It was amazing to see how every department was optimized to make this complex operation come together.”
After working on several films, Paul realized there was an opportunity to start his own company providing resources to the medical professionals who provide first aid and safety for the film industry. “I was able to start my company because the film industry in Georgia is booming,” says Paul.
Medics are the first ones on set and the last ones out. “If someone’s on set, we’re there,” says Paul. “We are there in case of emergencies and to help optimize medical response from 911. We help with small issues, too, like first aid and minor medical issues.”
In addition to medical care, Paul handles injury reports, safety assessments and paperwork for productions. He also steps in to help explain medical benefits to the crew when necessary. Sometimes crew members who have medical problems don’t know about their insurance benefits. “These are charismatic and skilled people. They don’t have time to read their contracts and know their benefits,” says Paul. “I get lots of satisfaction helping crew members discover what they need.”
Paul still works every other weekend as a paramedic for Floyd Emergency Medical Services in Rome. In 2009, he was awarded Georgia’s EMT of the Year for his outstanding work as a medic, including one memorable day when he and other medics pulled an unconscious woman from a burning house to safety. For these medics, it was just another day helping people in their community.
There’s no shortage of work in the film industry, Paul says, and he’s grateful for the flexibility and additional income this work allows him and his family.
“It’s been fun for the last 17 years,” says Paul.