Lauren Dumas M.Ed., BPHM, AAS, NRP

Lauren Dumas, M.Ed., BPHM, AAS, NRP, is a dedicated EMS educator and healthcare leader with a strong record of clinical excellence and academic achievement. She began her professional journey as a personal trainer before discovering her passion for emergency medical services during EMT training. Her career progressed from EMT to 911 paramedic, where she worked in high-call-volume environments and earned recognition such as a LifeSave Award for the successful resuscitation of a fire victim. Alongside her field experience, Lauren continued to advance academically, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medicine, a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management from the University of Virginia, and most recently a Master of Education in Higher Education.

Today, Lauren serves as the EMS Programs Director and Department Chair at Brightpoint Community College, where she oversees accredited EMT and paramedic programs, ensures regulatory compliance, leads curriculum development, and maintains strong partnerships with EMS agencies and community leaders. She continues to teach across multiple levels—including pharmacology and OB/neonatal care, her favorite subjects—while also guiding students through transfer pathways to four-year institutions. Her experience includes roles as an EMS Education Coordinator, adjunct EMT instructor, NAEMT and AHA instructor, and a member of multiple ODEMSA committees. She also volunteers as a paramedic with the Richmond Volunteer Rescue Squad when her schedule allows.

A passionate advocate for EMS providers, Lauren actively speaks on major industry issues, including mental health challenges among first responders and the persistent pay disparities between EMS professionals and nurses. She emphasizes the need for better mental health resources, reduced stigma in seeking help, and improved compensation that reflects the high-stakes responsibilities of paramedics. Outside of her professional work, Lauren enjoys fiber crafts, reading, writing, hiking, and her newest hobby—chainmail weaving. Deeply committed to service, she also sponsors a child through Child Fund International and remains dedicated to protecting the integrity and future of the EMS profession.

• NAEMT
• NREMT

• American College of Education - M.Ed.

• LifeSave Award

• Child Fund International

• Richmond Volunteer Rescue Squad