Joey Pordash
Joey Pordash is a dedicated Hazardous Materials Technician and Specialist based in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, which encompasses the vibrant City of Pittsburgh. Currently serving as a Battalion Chief with the Allegheny County Hazardous Materials Red Team 440, Joey is a state-certified Radiological Officer and Instructor, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.
In addition to his work with the Red Team, he is affiliated with the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency Hazmat Team 900, where he holds the position of state-certified Radiological Officer. Joey also serves with the Hazmat 2 Environmental Fire Rescue Company located in Lancaster County, PA. With eight years of specialized experience in hazardous materials response, he focuses on radiation safety and medical toxicology, demonstrating a strong commitment to public safety and emergency response.
Presentations:
Why Does Everyone Hate Radiation?
When thinking about radioactive emergencies, do you instantly recall Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, or Atomic Train? In reality, most incidents involving radioactive materials concern construction vehicles or standard vehicles transporting low-level packages. The idea of someone sneaking a Soviet warhead onto a runaway train is purely cinematic. This class will cover the fundamentals of radiation, case studies on transportation, metering methods, and strategies to make radiation less dull for your team, while ensuring you’re equipped to handle any situation without needing to evacuate 50,000 people.
Should I Be Intubating in the Hot Zone?
In the early 2000s, I acquired the knowledge of intubating a patient within a hazardous environment. However, one may wonder about the practicality of this skill in the face of ever-evolving hazardous materials and their potential release. This course delves into the preparedness of medical providers to manage such patients, whether inside or outside the hazardous area. It also explores emerging trends in emergency medicine and offers practical approaches to enhance your proficiency as a tox-medic.