A clinical team was recently urgently deployed from Port Moresby to respond to a life-threatening snakebite case in Central Province. They travelled with a ventilator, syringe driver, and other critical care equipment to support the local clinic.
A 16-year-old boy had been bitten by a Papuan taipan and was brought to Kwikila Clinic by his family. The venom of the Papuan taipan is among the most dangerous in the world, causing both severe paralysis (neurotoxicity) and life-threatening problems with blood clotting (coagulopathy).
Completing the five-hour round trip, the team – including a medical director, clinical nurse, ambulance officer, and support staff – worked closely with the clinic staff to stabilise the patient. He was already showing signs of paralysis and impaired blood clotting.
They performed a rapid sequence intubation and connected him to Rotary’s portable ventilator to support his breathing for transport. With coordinated care, they safely transferred the patient to Port Moresby General Hospital for ongoing treatment and monitoring.
Thanks to the early intervention, teamwork, and access to antivenom and critical care, the patient made a full recovery. He was discharged home and back at school after a week.
