Paul Alexander, a polio survivor also known as the “man in the iron lung,” has passed away at the age of 78, as confirmed by his family and a fundraising website. Alexander, who resided in Dallas, Texas, contracted polio when he was six years old, which left him paralyzed from the neck down. Due to his condition, he relied on a mechanical respirator to assist with breathing for a significant portion of the time.
Despite being confined to his iron lung, Alexander excelled in his studies, earned a law degree, worked in the legal field, and even authored a book. His brother, Philip Alexander, shared the news of his passing on social media, expressing his admiration for his brother’s resilience and accomplishments.
A disability advocate, Christopher Ulmer, who was running a fundraiser for Alexander, also confirmed his passing and highlighted the positive impact that Alexander’s story had on people worldwide. Alexander’s TikTok account previously mentioned that he had been hospitalized with Covid-19 before his passing.
Iron lungs, such as the one Alexander used, are sealed chambers equipped with pumps that help with breathing by expanding and contracting the patient’s lungs. Initially invented in the 1920s, their use declined after the introduction of the polio vaccine by Jonas Salk in 1955, which played a crucial role in eradicating the illness.
Notably, Alexander held the Guinness World Record for the longest time spent in an iron lung. Through the guidance of a physical therapist, he learned techniques like “frog breathing” to aid with breathing outside of the iron lung, eventually only returning to it at night for sleep. Despite his condition, Alexander continued to practice law, representing clients in court with the support of a specialized wheelchair.
Martha Lillard, a 75-year-old resident of Shawnee, Oklahoma, is believed to be the last surviving person currently using an iron lung. The passing of Paul Alexander marks the end of an era for individuals who relied on these devices for respiratory support.