Alexander who contracted polio and lived in an iron lung has died at 70
In March 2023, he was declared the longest surviving iron lung patient in the world by the Guinness World Records.
A few months ago, Mr Alexander set up a TikTok account answering questions about his life and the accomplishments he’s achieved.
“I wrote a book and gave it to the world about me and my polio and millions of people know my name today,” he said on TikTok.
“I have goals and dreams of doing some more things before I go visit some place, and I plan to do and accomplish those goals.”
He’s being remembered as someone who “commanded a room”.
“What a flirt,” his brother wrote.
“He loved good food, wine, women, long conversations, learning, and laughing.”
What is polio?
According to Health Direct, some people infected with poliovirus will have flu-like symptoms including fever, fatigue, nausea, and weak or tender muscles.
These symptoms can last for up to 10 days. Where it gets more serious is when people develop acute flaccid paralysis.
This can affect the muscles in the arms and legs, head and neck and diaphragm, which is a muscle needed for breathing
Health Direct says: “Acute flaccid paralysis can stop you from moving and breathing properly. Severe cases of acute flaccid paralysis, where the breathing muscles become paralysed, can be fatal.”
nd this is where the iron lung comes into play. They were used to treat respiratory failure caused by polio.
What is an iron lung?
An iron lung is a mechanical respirator that works by using negative pressure to push air into the lungs.
It mimics the way the respiratory system works to stimulate breathing of a patient, who lies inside a metal cylinder.
A person is still able to eat and drink as their head is outside the cylinder while the rest of the body is kept inside.