Paul Alexander, known as “Polio Paul,” has defied the odds and lived inside a 600-pound iron lung for an astounding seven decades, steadfastly refusing to switch to modern medical equipment. At the age of 77, he has become the Guinness World Records’ longest-serving iron lung patient, marking a journey that began when he contracted polio in 1952 at the tender age of 6.
In March, Guinness World Records officially recognized Paul Alexander’s incredible resilience, declaring him the longest-ever iron lung patient. His life story is one of unwavering determination and triumph over adversity.
Born in 1946, Paul Alexander has encountered numerous challenges since his early years. In a heartbreaking turn of events, just last year, he fell victim to individuals who were supposed to care for his well-being, with a fundraiser collecting a generous sum of $132,000 on his behalf.
The year 1952 witnessed one of the worst polio outbreaks in the history of the United States, with nearly 58,000 reported cases, primarily affecting children. Poliomyelitis, or polio, attacks the motor neurons in the spinal cord, disrupting communication between the central nervous system and the muscles, ultimately rendering the muscles too weak to support independent breathing.
A lifesaving vaccine was approved and widely administered to children across the United States in 1955, leading to the declaration of the country as polio-free in 1979. However, for Paul Alexander, it was already too late. In the aftermath of his diagnosis, he underwent an emergency tracheotomy and was placed inside an iron lung to aid his battle against the deadly disease.
Since that time, Alexander has relied on this neck-to-toe ventilator to sustain his life. The iron lung, an airtight capsule that encloses everything but the head, operates by drawing in oxygen through negative pressure, thus forcing the expansion of the lungs to enable the patient to breathe, as explained by Medscape. This contraption is large, unwieldy, and necessitates the patient’s confinement within it.
Despite advancements in medical technology and the development of more modern respiratory devices, Paul Alexander has opted to remain within his trusty iron lung. In a 2020 interview with The Guardian, he explained that by the time newer machines became available, he had grown accustomed to his “old iron horse” and was not willing to undergo the necessary procedure for the alternative devices.
In a remarkable display of determination, Alexander has learned a technique known as “frog breathing,” allowing him to briefly breathe outside the iron lung. This method relies on throat muscles to force air past the vocal cords, enabling the patient to ingest oxygen one mouthful at a time, guiding it down the throat and into the lungs.
Throughout the years, Paul Alexander has continued to pursue his dreams and inspire others. Despite his reliance on the iron lung, he managed to complete high school, graduate from college, obtain a law degree, practice law for several decades, and author a memoir.
In a 2021 video interview, he declared, “I never gave up, and I’m [still] not going to.” As the years have gone by, Alexander’s dependence on the iron lung has increased, and he now requires round-the-clock care at a facility in Dallas.
Challenges persist, as maintaining the iron lung, covering healthcare expenses, and securing suitable housing have become increasingly difficult for him. In November 2022, a GoFundMe plea described him as a victim of “theft” and appealed for support, emphasizing his enduring impact on the lives of many. The plea also noted that he resides in a small one-room apartment without windows.
Paul Alexander’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit, illustrating how resilience and determination can triumph over even the most daunting of challenges.
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