Chewing gum for extradural haemorrhage.

From 1984 to 1986 I had the privilege of being chief medical officer (surgery) and consultant surgeon in the Solomon Islands. The country lies in the western Pacific, south east of Papua New Guinea, and has a population of about 250 000. I was its only surgeon, based at Central Hospital, Honiara, on Guadalcanal, one of the many islands. Professionally I had to do things you won’t find in any textbook, coping with what was available. This is probably the best example. I had finished a long day in theatre and was looking forward to a beer on the verandah. Before leaving the hospital I looked into the office to check for post from home. Sure enough there were letters from my mum and sister but underneath was a telegram. It read: