Man in Iron Lung for 70 Years Dies of Polio

Post by: Dr. Amrinder Pal Singh

Paul Alexander, known as "Polio Paul," passed away at the age of 78 after spending an astounding 70 years confined to an iron lung due to the effects of polio. Afflicted by the disease at the tender age of six, he was left paralyzed from the neck down, necessitating his reliance on the 600-pound contraption for breathing assistance.

His demise was confirmed via his GoFundMe page on March 12, where Christopher Ulmer, the page's creator, hailed Alexander as an inspirational figure whose resilience touched countless lives worldwide. Despite his lifelong confinement, Alexander pursued education, became a lawyer, and even authored published works.

Born in 1946, Alexander faced formidable challenges amidst one of the worst polio outbreaks in US history, which affected nearly 58,000 individuals, predominantly children. The debilitating effects of the disease compelled him to utilize mechanical breathing support.

Polio, scientifically termed Poliomyelitis, is a viral illness capable of causing paralysis by attacking the spinal cord. Alexander's condition rendered him unable to breathe autonomously, leading to an emergency tracheotomy and subsequent reliance on the iron lung for survival.

Operating on the principle of "frog breathing," the iron lung facilitated Alexander's respiration by utilizing throat muscles to maneuver air past his vocal cords, allowing him to ingest oxygen incrementally, sustaining his life for seven decades within its confines.

Philip Alexander, Paul's brother, expressed profound gratitude for the support received through donations, enabling Paul to spend his final years without financial strain. Despite the challenges imposed by polio, Paul Alexander's legacy endures as a testament to resilience and the human spirit.

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