The Unstoppable Spirit of Paul Alexander: 70 Years in an Iron Lung

Paul Alexander’s extraordinary life is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. After contracting polio in 1952 at the tender age of six, Paul faced unimaginable challenges, becoming quadriplegic and dependent on an iron lung to breathe. Doctors predicted his survival would be short-lived. Yet, Paul defied all odds, living 70 years in the iron lung and leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and inspiration.

Paul Alexander died on March 11 at age 78. Courtesy of Paul Alexander via GoFundMe

The Iron Lung: A Lifesaving Machine

The iron lung was a mechanical respirator widely used during the polio epidemics of the mid-20th century. Polio often paralyzed the diaphragm, leaving patients unable to breathe unaided. The iron lung created negative pressure to mimic the natural breathing process, allowing individuals like Paul to survive.

Despite its lifesaving capabilities, living inside this machine was isolating and challenging. Paul Alexander, however, found ways to thrive within its confines, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt and overcome adversity.

Frog Breathing: A Gateway to Freedom

Paul mastered an unconventional breathing technique called “frog breathing” (glossopharyngeal breathing). By using his throat muscles to gulp air into his lungs, he was able to spend limited periods outside the iron lung. This skill allowed Paul to attend school, interact socially, and pursue a life beyond the machine.

A Life of Achievement

Paul Alexander’s life was far from ordinary. Despite his physical limitations, he accomplished what many deemed impossible:

1. Academic Success:
   Paul graduated from high school and went on to earn a law degree, becoming a practicing attorney. He studied with the assistance of tutors and typewriters, often dictating or typing assignments himself using a stick held in his mouth.
2. Legal Career:
   As an attorney, Paul was a fierce advocate for disability rights and access to healthcare. His career was a testament to his belief in justice and equality.
3. Memoir:
   In 2020, Paul published his memoir, “Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung.” Remarkably, he typed the entire book with his mouth, offering readers an intimate look at his life, struggles, and triumphs.
4. Advocacy:
   Paul was a vocal advocate for polio eradication, sharing his story to inspire vaccination efforts worldwide. He passionately hoped to see the end of polio in his lifetime, a goal humanity continues to strive for.

@ironlungman

Episode 1 of Convos with Paul! We will be responding to comments and questions about Paul’s life, his polio, and life in an iron lung! Please be positive 😊 #PaulAlexander #poliopaul #ironlung #conversationswithpaul

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Polio’s Legacy and Global Efforts

Paul’s life serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of poliomyelitis, a disease that paralyzed thousands of children annually during its peak in the mid-20th century. The advent of the polio vaccine, developed by Dr. Jonas Salk in 1955, drastically reduced cases and led to widespread immunization campaigns.

• Global Progress:
  • Wild Poliovirus (WPV) Type 2 and Type 3 have been eradicated.
  • WPV Type 1, however, remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• Challenges to Eradication:
  • Limited access to healthcare services in remote areas.
  • Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.
  • Conflict and instability in polio-affected regions.

Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Rotary International are at the forefront of the fight against polio, with initiatives aimed at vaccinating every child and eradicating the disease for good.

An Air Force airman entertains a child in an iron lung in the 1960s. City of Boston via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 2.0

Paul Alexander’s Final Days

Paul Alexander passed away in 2024 at the age of 78, making him the longest-surviving person dependent on an iron lung. He spent his final days surrounded by family and friends, leaving a legacy of perseverance that continues to inspire millions.

His life was a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, the human spirit can achieve greatness.

The Lessons of Paul Alexander’s Life

Paul’s story is more than a tale of survival—it’s a call to action:

• To celebrate human resilience in the face of challenges.
• To advocate for global health initiatives, ensuring diseases like polio are eradicated forever.
• To embrace innovation in medical technology, just as the iron lung once did for so many.

Paul Alexander may no longer be with us, but his legacy endures as a powerful reminder of what it means to truly live, even under the most difficult circumstances.

Featured image credit: City of Boston via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 2.0 \ Courtesy of Paul Alexander via GoFundMe