Paralyzed from polio at 6, he was one of the last people
Paul Alexander: Life Inside an Iron Lung, and Beyond
Paul Alexander, known as “The Man in the Iron Lung,” lived a remarkable life of resilience after contracting polio in 1952 at age six. The illness left him paralyzed and dependent on an iron lung—a mechanical respirator that helped him breathe for over 70 years.
Living with Polio and the Iron Lung
After a sudden onset of fatigue and breathing difficulty, Paul was diagnosed during the worst polio epidemic in U.S. history. He recalled the terrifying moment of waking up inside the machine: “I couldn’t move. I couldn’t talk. I was scared.” The iron lung, though archaic by modern standards, became a permanent part of his life.
Pursuing Education and a Legal Career
Paul defied expectations by completing high school and later earning a law degree. “I’m a pretty damn good lawyer,” he once said. Practicing law for over 30 years, he used a custom setup to work from inside the iron lung. He also authored a memoir, Three Minutes for a Dog, using a pen on a stick.
Legacy and Advocacy
Despite advances in ventilators, Paul remained in his original machine, maintained with salvaged parts. A 2016 plea for help led engineers to restore it. He became one of the last known full-time users of the device.
