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WIU Alumnus Leads University's New Paramedic Program

February 17, 2023

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MACOMB, IL – At the core of Western Illinois University's new academic programming for paramedics is a University alumnus whose educational and medical background has uniquely positioned him to lead the first program at a four-year, public higher education institution in Illinois.

Ben Brewer is a 2010 Health Services Management program graduate and is currently finishing his dissertation for a doctoral degree in Education Leadership, both from WIU. He received his master's degree in business administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix.

Brewer is now the program director of WIU's paramedic program, which began classes last semester. The program is the only one at a four-year, public University in Illinois and one of only about 20 in the nation.

"The classes are open for anyone interested in obtaining their Emergency Medical Technician's (EMTs) degree certification or paramedic licensure," said Brewer. "These courses are particularly beneficial for first responders, fire science or law enforcement majors who need these skills for their employment upon graduation."

In addition to teaching these classes, Brewer also works part time as a deputy coroner for Peoria County and is a paramedic. He and his husband, Nick, are also new parents.

After graduating from WIU, Brewer became director of the EMS program for an ambulance program in Peoria, IL. He later became the director of the Emergency Room at Graham Hospital in Canton, IL. It was then he felt called to return to WIU to teach in the Health Services department.

"When I was here for my undergraduate degree, I felt like the professors had academic experience, but their time and actual experience working in the industry was lacking a little," he said. "I had been teaching here and there but I decided I wanted to give back to the students. I wanted them to connect their education with real world situations. There has never been a day since when I didn't feel like I have helped someone and they've helped me too."

The new Paramedic program is housed under the umbrella of WIU's School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration. It is located there to support the emergency management, fire science, law enforcement and private security professionals as they respond to disaster related incidents. Brewer said he believes the new program at WIU is vital because staffing shortfalls in healthcare has resulted in the need for more paramedics.

Students take five semesters of classes, which includes one summer session. After their classroom training, students complete training hours in a hospital emergency room, operating room, labor and delivery and a complete clinical field internship.

The first class began in August, and has included sessions including starting IVs, intubating airway mannequins and therapeutic communications.

The program is working through the process of being accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for EMS Programs. Preliminary approval was granted this fall, but a site visit is forthcoming to make the distinction permanent.

Brewer and LEJA Director Jill Joline Myers felt it was important to start the program at WIU because regional employers regularly seek these skilled services and many fire departments require paramedic licensure for employment.

For more on WIU's School of LEJA, visit wiu.edu/LEJA.

Posted By: Jodi Pospeschil (JK-Pospeschil@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing