Paul Alexender a 78 year from North Texas passed away after living in an iron lung for almost 70 years. Alexender’s family confirmed his death through his obituary that he passed away on March 11 at the age of 78.
Philip Alexender, brother of Paul said he was a role model for him. Philip added, He wanted to change the world,” said Philip Alexander. “He wanted to help people out. He wasn’t going to leave until, in his mind, he did something grand.”
What is an Iron Lung?
An iron lung, also known as a “negative pressure ventilator.” It is a large, airtight cylindrical chamber used to assist breathing when normal muscle control has been lost due to diseases such as polio or conditions like spinal cord injuries.
Iron Lung was primarily used in the mid-20th century before the development of modern positive-pressure ventilators. It worked by creating negative pressure around the patient’s chest, which causes the chest to expand and contract, mimicking the natural process of breathing.
The patient used to lie inside the chamber with only their head protruding, and a seal around their neck prevented air from leaking in or out. By regulating the pressure inside the chamber, the iron lung is used to help the patient inhale and exhale effectively.
The use of iron lungs has significantly declined with the development of more advanced respiratory support technologies. However, they played a crucial role in saving lives during polio outbreaks in the early to mid-20th century.
About Paul Alexander
In 1952, Paul Alexander was diagnosed with polio at the age of six, during a Dallas outbreak. He was unable to breathe on his own and became paralyzed from the neck down as a result. Doctors placed Paul Alexander in an iron lung to support him.
When Paul Alexander’s machine would go out of power, his network of family and friends would come through for him. He encouraged them by lifting their spirits and sharing his optimistic view on life.
Paul Alexander never let his handicap slow down his academics. He learned to write, type, and paint using only his mouth and a stick, and he aced it all. Paul Alexander was admitted to Southern Methodist University and graduated with an economics degree.
After that, he was admitted to the University of Texas and earned a law degree. He wrote a book, passed the bar exam, and worked as a lawyer in Dallas. He also supported polio research.