How man survived inside ‘iron lung’ for 70 years before dying last year
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a contagious disease transmitted through contact with contaminated feces. While most cases are asymptomatic, the virus can cause flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, lead to paralysis. If the respiratory muscles are affected, it can be fatal. In the mid-20th century, patients with respiratory paralysis were treated using iron lungs, which used air pressure to mimic breathing. Over time, these devices were replaced by modern ventilators.
Paul Alexander, known as “the man in the iron lung,” contracted polio at age six in 1952, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. Confined to the iron lung for survival, he eventually learned “frog breathing” (glossopharyngeal breathing), a technique using throat and mouth muscles to force air into the lungs, allowing him to survive for limited periods outside the device. This skill enabled him to study law and pass the bar exam.
For much of his life, Alexander relied on the iron lung, which functioned via electric pulses to maintain his breathing. He described the constant threat of power outages, as the machine’s failure could be life-threatening. Despite these challenges, he pursued an education, authored a memoir, and inspired many with his determination.
Alexander passed away on March 11, 2024, at the age of 78, after spending more than 70 years reliant on the iron lung. His resilience highlighted both the impact of polio and the importance of medical innovation. Following his death, Martha Lillard remains the last known person using an iron lung.
Polio, once widespread, has been largely eradicated through vaccination efforts, but the stories of those like Alexander remind us of the disease’s devastating effects and the remarkable human capacity to adapt.