 | 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 initial donation to St John Emergency Services PNG was used to purchase a Zoll mobile ventilator, which has provided life-saving mechanical intubation of snakebite victims, during ambulance transit from the Kwikila area to Port Moresby General Hospital. Including our approved 2026-27 donation, further supported with a District Foundation grant, close to $50,000 has been given to St John.
Whilst in Singapore during the 2024 Rotary International Convention, I came across this 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 I found out Rotary has been doing this for some time.
As a result of the discussion, the Snakebite Project’s stretch goal became to provide St John PNG with a dedicated, purpose equipped snakebite victim rescue ambulance. Peter Rogers and Anthony Austin enthusiastically took up the challenge of finding donors.
A big ask, given the considerable cost quoted by Matt Cannon, then St John PNG CEO. Matt’s ideal ambulance is currently operated in the Northern Territory. St John and Toyota have designed a 4 x 4 conversion where the robust durability of a LandCruiser 200 is added to the comfort and capacity of a Toyota HiAce. Onboard tech includes a top-tier electric system installation, the latest satellite communication, an auto-lift stretcher, portable AED (automated external defibrillator), mobile ventilator and other monitoring devices.
In the meantime, Port Moresby RC, our international partner, was meeting St John’s leadership team to explore how to meaningfully assist the Snakebite Project. Last year PMRC then President Kevin Buckby and Treasurer David Guinn hosted CSL’s Anna Schulze in Moresby. They have been keen to increase the Club’s involvement with the project.
Anna Schulze, PMRC Treasurer David Guinn and PP Kevin Buckby
When briefing David on the upcoming 2026 Snakebite Partner meeting and field trips, he revealed exciting news. PMRC has committed to providing St John and the Snakebite Project with significant financial support.St John suggested several ways in which the Club could assist, but replacing an existing snakebite rescue ambulance was its highest priority.
Before making any commitment, David wanted to know whether PMRC’s deeper involvement would cause misalignment with the support Rotary Melbourne already provides to the Snakebite Project. My answer? Absolutely not.
In an outstanding act of generosity PMRC will fund the purchase and fit out of a dedicated snakebite victim rescue ambulance for St John PNG. A tender process 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 rescue and life support equipment.
St John NT recovery ambulance Kitted for snakebite victims
AVRU (Australian Venom Research Unit) epidemiological data indicates that Central Province, which includes the National Capital, is the optimal location for the new ambulance. This area experiences the highest incidence of envenomation in the country. A dedicated, properly equipped snakebite ambulance means those living up to four hours from Port Moresby General Hospital will no longer risk losing valuable time waiting for transfer to intensive care. And in some cases, not making it.
