 | Author's Name: Anthony Battaini Date: Sun 24 May 2026 |
Mobile Dispensary from the 1950s Medical Virus Test Immunization Mobile Van 2021
Rotary Melbourne’s first donation to St John Emergency Services PNG purchased a Zoll mobile ventilator, which enables mechanical intubation of snakebite victims during ambulance transit to Port Moresby General Hospital. Whilst in Singapore during the 2024 RI Convention, I saw displayed a B&W photograph of a Rotary Mobile Dispensary. Who knew Rotary supplied vans to deliver health services? Well, certainly not me.
On return to Melbourne, I mentioned my “discovery” to Trevor Nink, Robert Fisher and Peter Rogers. Almost immediately the Snakebite Project’s stretch goal became to provide St John PNG with a dedicated, purpose equipped snakebite victim rescue ambulance.
A big ask, given the considerable cost as quoted by Matt Cannon, then St John PNG CEO. Matt’s ideal ambulance type was already operated by St John in the Northern Territory. Peter Rogers and Anthony Austin enthusiastically took up the challenge of finding donors.
In the meantime, Port Moresby RC, our international Rotary partner, was meeting St John’s leadership team to explore how to meaningfully assist the Snakebite Project. Last year PMRC had hosted CSL’s Anna Schulze in Moresby and were keen to increase their involvement with the project.
Anna Schulze, PMRC Treasurer David Guinn and PP Kevin Buckby
When recently briefing David Guinn about the upcoming 2026 Snakebite Partner meeting and field trips, he revealed exciting news. PMRC had committed to providing the Snakebite Project with significant financial support. St John had proposed several ways PMRC could assist it, but replacing an existing snakebite rescue ambulance was its highest priority.
However, before making any commitment, David wanted to know whether his Club’s deeper involvement would cause misalignment with the support Rotary Melbourne is already providing to the Snakebite Project. My answer? Absolutely not.
In an outstanding act of generosity PMRC has now offered to fund the purchase and fit out of a dedicated snakebite victim rescue ambulance for St John PNG. A tender for a vehicle matching the required specifications is underway.
A new mobile ventilator and an old ambulance
What a perfect example of the power of Rotary. To paraphrase Sir John Monash, Rotarians equip themselves “for the benefit of the whole community.” This project’s modest beginning, supplying one piece of equipment for the back of an ambulance, has morphed into providing a purpose-built ambulance fully fitted with specialist snakebite victim recovery equipment.
St John NT recovery ambulance Kitted for snakebite victims
Australian Venom Research Unit epidemiological data indicates Central Province, which includes the National Capital, experiences the highest incidence of envenomation in the country. A dedicated, properly equipped snakebite ambulance means those living in locations up to three hours from Port Moresby General Hospital will no longer lose valuable time waiting for transfer to intensive care. And in some cases, not making it.
