During his 42-year career, he has held many different roles including an 11-year stint as the officer-in-charge of Collinsville Ambulance Station. Mr Curtis has seen the Queensland Ambulance Service progress from basic care to a truly first-class system delivering quality pre-hospital care. Mr Curtis said it was a "desire to help my fellow man" that encouraged him to get up and put the teal uniform on for such a large portion of his life. He feels honoured to be part of life-changing events for his patients and their families. "It's a sign of trust that they let us in and it's absolutely awe-inspiring because we go into their most intimate moments," Mr Curtis said.