'Man In Iron Lung' Dead At 78: Family
Umer Jamshaid Published March 13, 2024 | 11:14 PM
A polio survivor known as the "man in the iron lung" has died aged 78, according to his family and a fundraising website
Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Mar, 2024) A polio survivor known as the "man in the iron lung" has died aged 78, according to his family and a fundraising website.
Paul Alexander of Dallas, Texas contracted polio at the age of six, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down and reliant on a mechanical respirator to breathe for much of the time.
Though often confined to his submarine-like cylinder, he excelled in his studies, earned a law degree, worked in the legal field and wrote a book.
"With a heavy heart I need to say my brother passed last night," Philip Alexander posted on Facebook early Wednesday. "It was an honor to be part of someone's life who was as admired as he was."
Christopher Ulmer, a disability advocate running a fundraiser for Alexander, also confirmed his death in a GoFundMe update posted on Tuesday.
"His story traveled wide and far, positively influencing people around the world. Paul was an incredible role model that will continue to be remembered," said Ulmer.
A prior update on Alexander's official TikTok account said he had been rushed to the emergency room after contracting Covid-19.
Iron lungs are sealed chambers fitted with pumps. Raising and lowering the pressure inside the chamber expands and contracts the patient's lungs.
Invented in the 1920s, their use fell away after the invention of the polio vaccine by Jonas Salk, which became widely available in 1955 and helped consign the devastating paralytic illness to history.
Alexander held the official Guinness World Record for time spent in a lung.
According to his Guinness page, he was able to leave the device for periods of time after he learned to "frog breathe" with the help of a physical therapist.
This involved "using his throat muscles to force air into his lungs, gulping down air one mouthful at a time." Eventually, he only returned to his iron lung at night to sleep.
As a practicing lawyer, he was able to represent clients in court in a special wheelchair that held his paralyzed body upright.
Seventy-five-year-old Martha Lillard of Shawnee, Oklahoma is reportedly the last surviving person in an iron lung.
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 April 2024
Fresh wave of rainfall in AJK continues for the second consecutive day
Babar, bowlers help Pakistan level series 2-2 against New Zealand
Attack in restive Chilean province leaves three police officers dead
PM, Saudi Royal court advisor discuss ways to boost economic ties
England clinch third successive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam
DC Bahawalnagar leads fight for fair bread prices
Sheffield Utd relegated from Premier League
02 proclaimed offenders arrested by Wah Police
Pakistan level T20I series with nine-run victory over New Zealand
Minister meets Chinese Consul General, discusses bilateral cooperation, Chinese ..
More Stories From World
-
Football: French Ligue 1 table
4 hours ago -
Inter continue Serie A title party as Bologna slip in Champions League bid
4 hours ago -
Paris Saint-Germain win Ligue 1 title after Monaco defeat
5 hours ago -
Man City see off Forest to close on Premier League leaders Arsenal
5 hours ago -
Italian PM Meloni says will stand in EU elections
6 hours ago -
Masood Khan hails Pakistani-American physicians role in upgrading Pakistan's healthcare system; also ..
6 hours ago
-
Celtic down Dundee to stay on course for Scottish Premiership crown
6 hours ago -
Ireland will act to send asylum seekers back to UK: PM
6 hours ago -
Kainz keeps Cologne's hope alive with late equaliser at Mainz
6 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
6 hours ago -
Inter continue Serie A title party as Bologna slip in Champions League bid
7 hours ago -
Masood Khan hails Pakistani-American physicians role in upgrading Pakistan's healthcare system; also ..
7 hours ago