An American who lived inside an iron lung for more than 70 years after contracting polio at the age of six, died on March 11. Mr Paul Alexander was 78.Polio left him unable to breathe independently, and doctors placed him inside the metal cylinder, where he spent the rest of his life, according to media reports. Mr Alexander, who lived in Dallas, called the lung his “old iron horse”, reported British news outlet BBC.
Bellows, which drew and expelled air from the cylinder, forced his lungs to expand and deflate.After contracting polio, Mr Alexander received a law degree, passed the bar exam and started a successful practice, said organiser of the GoFundMe page Christopher Ulmer. “His story travelled wide and far, positively influencing people around the world. Paul was an incredible role model that will continue to be remembered,” said Mr Ulmer. The page had initially been set up to be used to raise funds for Mr Alexander’s housing and healthcare expenses, including the maintenance of his iron lung, after he was taken advantage of by previous caregiver