While the use of iron lungs has dramatically diminished, there is one man who stands as the last guardian of this obsolete yet crucial medical device — Paul Alexander. The Iron Lung and its History:The iron lung, or negative pressure ventilator, was developed in the early 20th century as a means of assisting individuals with respiratory failure, often caused by diseases such as polio. Diagnosed with polio at the age of six, Alexander spent much of his childhood encased in an iron lung. image source: the guardian.comThe Last Guardian:As the last person in the world still using an iron lung, Paul Alexander has become an unintentional guardian of a bygone era. In an age where ventilators have become more advanced and portable, the iron lung has become a historical relic.

Source: The Guardian February 03, 2024 19:53 UTC