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Tributes paid to "community spirited" first aider

Tributes paid to

Tuesday 02 July 2019

Tributes paid to "community spirited" first aider

Tuesday 02 July 2019


Tributes have been paid to a devoted local first aider, who spent 500 hours annually helping the wounded at events and training others in basic medical treatment over a 17-year period, after he passed away at the weekend.

Peter Lozach joined St. John Ambulance in 2000 and was a regular at Moto X , the Sprints, Sand Racing and the Rally amongst other events across the island.

He became a 'Serving Brother' in 2013, and retired in 2017, having given 17 years service.

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Pictured: Peter Lozach (left) joined St. John Ambulance in 2000.

Announcing the sad news of Mr Lozach's passing in a post on their Facebook page, the charity wrote: "It was with great sadness that one of our much loved members of St John Ambulance Jersey passed away over the weekend...

"We will miss Peter's wealth of knowledge and his wonderful sense of humour."

They paid tribute to Mr Lozach's knowledge and experience which he shared with all members, but also noted how "it was always a pleasure attending events with Peter" as he would make them enjoyable.

"There was always laughter which made even the longest events go much quicker. Once our services were required Peter became a professional, he could manage any situation that occurred with confidence giving encouragement to many members who were new to the organisation and just starting out.

"Many of us have been taught by Peter, either formally or while dealing with casualties and we are all better first aiders from having known this amazing gentleman."

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Pictured: "There was always laughter" when Mr Lozach was volunteering at an event. 

St. John Ambulance also shared a funny fact about their volunteer, explaining that he was banned from saying the word 'quiet' during events "as we all knew the moment this was said, the event would become a very busy one with injuries and ailments."

However, they added that, as soon as it became busy, "Peter came into his own and he set off fixing everyone!"

St John Ambulance (Facebook)

Pictured: Mr Lozak spent 17 years volunteering for St. John Ambulance.

"Thank you, Peter, for all that you have done and given to the organisation," the charity concluded their message. "You really have been the face of St. John Jersey for so many years (even though you avoided the camera exceptionally well! ). Our thoughts are with Peter’s family at this very sad time."

Micki Swift, Head of Operations, described Mr Lozach as "a valued member of St. John Ambulance Jersey." "Peter spent many hours volunteering, yearly providing in excess of 500 hours first aid cover at many events across the island," she added.

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Pictured: Mr Lozach was an "excellent trainer" with a "warm smile" and "wonderful sense of humour."

"He was an excellent trainer and would share his knowledge with members at unit nights as well as on public events. Peter will be missed not only for his knowledge and experience but also for his warm smile and his wonderful sense of humour. It has been an honour to work alongside this gentleman for the last 17 years."

People paid their tributes in the comments, describing Mr Lozach as a gentleman as well as "a great man, a world of knowledge he was always happy to share" and "a great trainer and community spirited man." Others remember his "friendly smile" and his lovely nature.

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Pictured: Mr Lozach spent 500 hours annually volunteering for St. John Ambulance.

St. John's members shared memories of Mr Lozach acting as "a regular casualty" on cadet competition days, or being "a great help" to them. "That’s so sad to hear! Pete was so lovely and put a smile on everybody’s face! He taught me so much and will be missed," Sophie Rolland wrote.

"RIP Peter you taught me a thing or two. It was a pleasure to work with you on duties in my cadet days. Thoughts are with your family at this very sad time," added Sarah Edmead.

St. Saviour's Constable, Sadie Le Sueur-Rennard, commented: "What a good gentleman Peter was. He started the Country Music Club. Love and hugs to his family. Hes [sic] was a great guy x"

Mr Lozach also volunteered with Normandy Rescue, a charity that provides medical and rescue cover for over 100 high risk events such as motorsport, kick boxing, triathlon in the island.

He had joined the team over ten years ago, putting his medical and first aid skills to use during events. He was also a fully licensed rescue technician, trained to use hydraulic tools such as the "jaws of life" which are used cut people out of vehicles. 

Writing on their Facebook page, the charity wrote: "It is with a very heavy heart that I have to share the news that one of our volunteers and dear friends sadly passed away surrounded by his family today.

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Pictured: Peter joined Normandy Rescued in 2015.

"Peter Lozach has been one of the bedrocks of Normandy Rescue for well over a decade. He will be a familiar face to many of you and will be sorely missed by all of us.

"He has been a massive part of our small team and has taken many of us newer members under his wing and passed on his years of knowledge. Most importantly he was always the first to get the teas in on a duty!"

Mr Lozach stepped down last year but joined his former colleagues at the Christmas Party, where the charity celebrated all he did for Normandy. 

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Pictured: Mr Lozach was described as "a kind, genuine and caring person."

"It is almost impossible to imagine him not being around and I'm sure you will all join us as we share our thoughts and prayers with Connie and his family at this time," the charity added. "Safe journey Pete, and yes you can put the Blues and Twos on one last time."

One of his colleagues, Jack Findlay, remembers a "kind, genuine and caring person who always went out of his way to make sure we were looked after on duty and made us feel part of the team." "The world is a much sadder place without him, sleep well Pete," he added.

Others paid tribute to the "smile on his face and a friendly cheer" when he was on duty, his amazing character and his great training abilities. 

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Pictured: Mr Lozach was known for having a smile on his face and a friendly cheer whilst on duty.

"Having spent many hours on duty with Peter, I think it is fair to say he was an inspiration," wrote Jason Hamon. "Having joined St John Ambulance and then Normandy Rescue in later life, he was still able to get up and down Sorel quicker than people half his age. He was also a mentor to many new members, not only in medical care but also stock relocation. He will be sorely missed. Thoughts to Connie and family."

"What a great man, always their [sic] if you needed him always a pleasure to be on duty with and someone that you could always depend on in a crisis," added Bush Paine.

"...But you have given so much to many people it’s time to finally hang up up you kit bag. The island will be a sad place without your glow."

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