What is an iron lung?

[WCCO Radio, March 13, 2024] Have you heard of an iron lung? The death of Paul Alexander, 78, launched the machine into the headlines. Mr. Alexander used an iron lung for more than 70 years. Pictures of him inside what appeared to be a metal tube intrigued people around the world.

WCCO Radio Host Henry Lake wanted to know more about the iron lung and its history. He turned to Allina Health’s Laurel Stephenson, MD for answers. Dr. Stephenson took us back in time as she explained that the iron lung was mass produced in the 1930s and was mostly used by people who suffered respiratory issues because of Polio. Listen to the interview below.