As Americans, we are indoctrinated with the notion of patient confidentiality. But what happened in the recent Jett Travolta tragedy should remind us that the protections we may have here may not apply if health care is provided out of the country.
By now, most of the world knows that actor John Travolta’s son died last week. The public is understandably curious as to what happened, but I was shocked to wake up this morning to discover that the chief EMT on the ambulance crew that responded to the emergency call had given a televised interview about what he observed and what the parents and others were saying and doing.
Shame on him for violating confidentiality to get his 15 minutes of fame. I wonder if the Bahamas will actually do anything — or if they even can do anything — about this type of breach. Do tourists seeking medical care in the Bahamas have any expectation of privacy?
I was trying to find a place to say how sorry I am to hear of Mr & Mrs. Travolta’s son passing. I believe in my heart they did everything they could despite all the rumors. Drugs are not always the answer and have severe side effects. I used to be a Pharmacy Tech for 20yrs and one of my biggest issue is the fact that a televised interview by the EMT was given on how John was during his son’s passing. I cannot imagine the person asking and printing it either. This person should be ashamed and honestly gives a bad name for all tourist visiting the Bahamas. I am sure John forgives this person the nice human being he is but that was a moment only the family should of had to themselves. I don’t even want to read anything about it just want to seriously voice my opinion to the authorities of the Bahamas that person should not be allowed to continue to do his job. I was never allowed to discuss anything outside of my job to anyone or I would of been terminated. I am really angry that everyone is judging the family and bringing up their belief etc. They lost a precious son and honestly if the meds were to make me sick and not have somewhat a quality of life then I would ask God to take me to a better place wherever that is. My heart goes out to anyone in this situation and no one really knows without walking a mile in John & Kelly’s shoes. Please to all let them have their time to heal and remember the good times they shared. To the Hospital CEO please fire that man that gave that interview, I am sure you have qualified people that will take that job in a professional manner. I am so sorry for your loss and to anyone that looses a child no matter who they are, we are all humans. Cheri Ewan