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Man Lived 70+ Years in Iron Lung
21 Jul
Summary
- Paul Alexander survived over 70 years using an iron lung.
- He learned a special breathing technique to spend time outside.
- His life inspired efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.
Paul Alexander, who relied on an iron lung from childhood until his death in March 2024 at age 78, stands as the longest-known survivor to have lived his entire life within the machine. Contracting polio at age six in Texas, he was left paralysed from the neck down, necessitating respiratory support.
After nearly two years in hospital, his parents brought him home, adapting their lives to his needs. Alexander later mastered a demanding breathing technique known as glossopharyngeal breathing, enabling him to spend increasing amounts of time outside the iron lung. This new skill facilitated his pursuit of education, including a law degree.
He established a legal practice in Dallas, navigating professional challenges with resilience. His journey highlighted the importance of organized support networks and a determination to maintain independence. In 2015, as his iron lung required extensive repairs due to scarcity of parts, he found assistance from a mechanical company owner who restored the vital machine.
Alexander authored a memoir, typing with a mouth-held stick, to share his experiences and advocate for the global eradication of polio. In 2023, Guinness World Records recognized him for living the longest on an iron lung, a testament to his extraordinary survival and his parents' unwavering belief in his possibilities.
