Mr Spindler would have attended thousands of jobs over the past four decades and said it's the love of the job and the community which has kept him coming back for each shift.

Friday, July 17 is Mr Spindler's last day at the Port Macquarie NSW Ambulance station after he became a paramedic in 1980.

When asked why he's rarely missed a day of work, Mr Spindler said he doesn't have any secrets to good health.

However he doesn't drink alcohol, tea or coffee but loves almond chocolate. He was born two months premature and was raised on apricot jam sandwiches.

A few years before he decided to join the health service, Mr Spindler was working as an apprentice motor mechanic in Bega when he came face to face with a gut-wrenching situation.

In 1972 a motorcyclist was became trapped under the lower deck of a semi trailer when he skidded underneath the vehicle and his bike fell on top of him. He was pinned down by the real wheels of the vehicle's bogie.

Mr Spindler was one of the first people to attend the accident but felt helpless to assist the man, as he didn't have the training.

The incident spurred him on to become a paramedic to assist people at times when they need it the most.

Mr Spindler started work in Bega, before working on the south coast and Goulburn. He moved to Port Macquarie in 1995.

One of Mr Spindler's most memorable days on the job was when he helped bring a man back to life after he was pronounced clinically dead.

"The man was suffering from severe chest pain, was sweating a lot and looked really unwell," he said.

Mr Spindler used a machine to administer a shock to the man's heart and he woke up and said 'gee that feels better'.

Mr Spindler said paramedics today are just as busy as they were 50 years ago.

The ageing population and the rise of the obesity has meant paramedics are under pressure to ensure everyone gets help when they need it.

Mr Spindler and other paramedics attend a lot of incidents where elderly people have had falls.

He enjoys getting to know the older people in the community and listening to their stories.

Mr Spindler doesn't have a problem switching on and off from the high pressure job.

When he attends an incident his training kicks in to help in the best way he can.

In retirement Mr Spindler is looking forward to travelling Australia with his wife Vivien in the caravan they just bought.

After living by a roster for majority of his life, Mr Spindler expects it will be an adjustment trying to figure out a new routine.

"The biggest decision we'll have to make is whether to turn right or left on the Pacific Highway," he said.

The couple have six children and six grandchildren.

Mr Spindler will miss all his workmates at the station.

"I've worked with some incredible and talented people," he said.

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