**Acknowledgements**

The author's research referred to herein received financial support from Central Queensland University's Research Development and Incentives Program; Merit Grant number 0980022829, 'Antibiotic-resistant bacterial contamination of emergency medical vehicles — is there a risk to patients and providers?'. The participation of the emergency helicopter service providers RACQ Capricorn Rescue and CareFlight is gratefully acknowledged. Present and former colleagues Sandrine Maguire, Brian Maguire and Anthony Weber are warmly thanked for sharing their expert views over many years.
