Kate Datson (centre) with Dr Sarah Gosper and Rotary Melbourne Snakebite Project Team 

Kate Datson, St John Emergency Services Project Lead, PNG Snakebite Partnership, addressed members at the 4 February lunch. Kate spoke about the challenges faced in delivering effective prevention and treatment services in a country with limited infrastructure and one of the highest mortality rates from snakebite globally.

Kate related her hands-on experience using the Rotary supplied Zoll mobile ventilator to intubate snakebite victims in transfer from Kwikila District Hospital to Port Moresby General Hospital. In the last 12 months Rotary’s ventilator was used 45 times, in several cases saving a life.

In PNG the death rate following envenoming is almost 100%, unless correct first aid and antivenom are available. PNG snakes, especially the coastal taipan, are amongst the most lethal in the world. Over 1,000 snakebite deaths are recorded annually in PNG, but Kate says the true number is closer to 3,000. That is also the estimate from the WHO.

Kate highlighted great success of the RCM funded community awareness programs. To date around 600 compression bandages have been distributed to elders, who are trained in their use. Wherever training occurs the incidence of incorrect procedures, such as torniquets and scarification, virtually ceases. When correct first aid procedures are followed, time is gained to source antivenom. And a life is saved.

Snakebite is a global problem and a priority for RI President Elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola. Yinka has been provided with the background information concerning the work done by the PNG Snakebite Partnership and RCM’s contribution. We are facilitating an introduction for Yinka to Dr David Williams, WHO Global Snake Bite Initiative founder and technical advisor.

Kate’s key message was positive. Anything Rotary does to “close the gap” in resourcing the Snakebite Partnership’s needs has a direct impact on lives saved. There remains much to do.

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