Snakebite Victim Airlifted from Menyamya to Lae | November 1, 2025

A 35-year-old man who was bitten by a highly venomous death adder snake was airlifted to Lae last Thursday afternoon in medical evacuation out by MAMA Foundation.

The patient was transported from Menyamya Airstrip after local health workers urgently requested assistance when his condition worsened following the bite. The medevac team responded promptly, flying under clear weather conditions to transfer the man to ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae for emergency treatment.

Manolos Aviation CEO Captain Jurgen Ruh commended the coordination between the MAMA Foundation and rural health workers in ensuring the patient received timely care.

“Snakebites in remote areas can quickly turn fatal if help doesn’t arrive in time. We’re glad our team could respond swiftly and bring the patient to safety,” Captain Ruh said.

Captain Ruh also urged communities in rural and urban areas to take extra care during the wet season, when snake activity increases. “People working or walking in bush areas should wear proper footwear and avoid tall grass or piles of debris where snakes may hide,” he said.

These snakes are very venomous as described by a the locals. Acanthophis is a genus of elapid snakes. Commonly called death adders, they are native to Australia, New Guinea and nearby islands, and are among the most venomous snakes in the world. Despite their common name and resemblance to many species of viper, they belong to a different family, the Elapidae. The name of the genus derives from the Ancient Greek akanthos/ἄκανθος ('spine') and ophis/ὄφις ('snake'), referring to the spine on the death adder's tail.

The successful operation underscores the vital role of air medical services in reaching remote communities where access to emergency healthcare remains a major challenge.