Man in Iron Lung, Paul Alexander, Passes Away After 70 Years in Device
A polio survivor, who lived inside an iron lung for 70 years, has passed away at the age of 78.
Paul Alexander, also known as “Polio Paul”, contracted the viral disease in the summer of 1952 at the age of six and was left paralyzed from the neck down.
He was taken to a hospital in Texas and awoke inside the metal contraption where he would spend the rest of his life.
Mr Alexander lived inside his iron lung for 70 years. Pic: The Dallas Morning News/AP
An update on his GoFundMe page by organizer Christopher Ulmer states: “Paul Alexander, ‘The Man in the Iron Lung,’ passed away yesterday.
“After surviving polio as a child, he spent over 70 years inside an iron lung.
“During this time, Paul went to college, became a lawyer, and a published author.
“His story touched many people around the world and he was an incredible role model that will always be remembered.”
Mr Ulmer mentioned that he had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Mr Alexander in 2022.
Polio patients in iron lung respirators in California in 1953. Pic: Alamy
Mr Alexander’s brother, Philip, expressed gratitude in a statement posted by Mr Ulmer on the webpage to everyone who contributed to his brother’s fundraiser.
“It allowed him to live his last few years without stress,” he said.
“It will also cover his funeral expenses during this challenging time.
“It’s truly amazing to read all the comments and see how many people were inspired by Paul. I am extremely thankful.”
Mr Ulmer added: “Paul, you will be missed but always remembered. Thank you for sharing your story with us.”
Mr Alexander with his caregiver and friend Kathy Gaines at his Dallas home in 2018. Pic: The Dallas Morning News/AP
Mr Alexander was able to leave his iron lung for short periods after teaching himself to breathe and used a plastic stick and a pen attached to it to type on a keyboard and communicate with others.
He later wrote a book about his life titled: Three Minutes For A Dog.
His health deteriorated in recent years, experiencing a persistent respiratory infection and leg pain every time he moved.
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In an interview with The Guardian in April 2020, Mr Alexander shared his concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s like deja vu for me, it’s almost eerie,” he said regarding the similarities between the polio outbreak in the 1950s and COVID-19.
“It terrifies me.”
Mr Alexander also recalled the reactions of people when they saw him, stating: “You wouldn’t believe how many people walked into my law office, saw my iron lung, and asked, ‘What is that?’ and I would reply, ‘It’s an iron lung.’
“‘What does it do?’ ‘It breathes for me.'”
