In the weeks following a deeply distressing public incident at Bondi Beach, attention has turned to the recovery journeys of two men who were widely praised for their courage and selflessness on the day. Ahmed Al Ahmed and Gefen Bitton were among dozens of people who required urgent medical care after the incident, and both later chose to continue parts of their treatment outside Australia. Their decisions have prompted questions from the public, which medical experts say are understandable—but also easy to misinterpret without proper context.
An Australian specialist in critical care medicine has now offered insight into why patients with complex injuries sometimes travel overseas for further treatment, even after receiving high-quality care at home. According to Associate Professor Derrick Tin from the University of Melbourne, these decisions are not a reflection of shortcomings in Australia’s health system, but rather a combination of medical, practical, and personal considerations.
Australia is internationally recognised for its strong emergency response and trauma services, particularly in major cities. Professor Tin explained that hospitals here are well equipped to manage sudden, large-scale emergencies through coordinated ambulance services, trauma teams, and retrieval networks. In most cases, patients receive world-class care close to home, and outcomes are comparable with leading health systems overseas.
However, Professor Tin also noted that certain types of injuries are relatively uncommon in Australia. As a result, some patients and families consider treatment in countries where doctors encounter similar cases more frequently and have access to highly specialised rehabilitation or reconstructive services. This can be especially relevant when recovery is expected to be long, complex, or require multiple stages of care.
In Gefen Bitton’s case, his family chose to transfer him to Israel after several weeks in an Australian hospital. They believed that continuing care in his home country would provide additional benefits, including long-term rehabilitation options and the support of extended family. Professor Tin said this is a common and valid factor in medical decision-making, as emotional wellbeing and family presence can play a significant role in recovery.
Ahmed Al Ahmed similarly travelled overseas to seek further medical advice after being discharged from hospital in Sydney. In a brief public message, he described the journey as difficult but necessary. Professor Tin explained that seeking a second opinion, particularly for complex injuries, is not unusual and does not imply dissatisfaction with previous care.
“Patients may travel for access to niche expertise, continuity of care, or simply because they feel more comfortable completing recovery in a familiar environment,” Professor Tin said. “These choices are deeply personal and often involve many considerations beyond clinical treatment alone.”
He also stressed that Australian trauma specialists regularly train overseas and participate in international simulation programs to maintain readiness for rare but serious events. While some countries have higher daily exposure to certain injury patterns, Australia’s strength lies in its preparedness, governance, and ability to respond effectively when needed.
Major incidents, Professor Tin added, always prompt careful review within the health system. Hospitals and emergency services analyse their response, identify areas for improvement, and refine procedures to ensure they are even better prepared in the future. This process, he said, is a hallmark of a resilient and responsible healthcare system.
Ultimately, the stories of Al Ahmed and Bitton highlight not only personal resilience, but also the global nature of modern medicine. In an interconnected world, patients have access to expertise across borders, and choosing to use that access can be part of a thoughtful, well-informed recovery plan.
As both men continue their journeys toward healing, medical professionals emphasise that their decisions reflect the complexity of recovery after major trauma—and the importance of supporting patients in making the choices that are right for them.