LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The University of Louisville has been leading the ongoing efforts to organize appropriate countywide response to crisis events for nearly four years. The Louisville/Jefferson County Crisis Management Group ­ known simply as "The Group" to those involved ­ has studied and prepared responses to natural disasters, large-scale accidents and attacks on the city by traditional, nuclear and bioterroristic agents.

The Group has identified first- and second-year University of Louisville medical students as first responders in case of such a disaster. As the new school year begins, so does these students' training for this role.

The National Guard's 41st Civil Support Team will be conducting a bioterrorism demonstration for the students on Friday, Aug. 30 at 11 a.m. in the School of Medicine plaza. The team will demonstrate and explain safety procedures, the collection of suspected hazardous materials, and on-site testing.

According to Maggie Ferris, a second-year medical school student and student liaison to the crisis management group, "The students take this responsibility very seriously. While we hope to never have to act in this capacity, we want to be completely prepared if we are needed."

Members of the media planning to attend should notify the U of L Office of Communications and Marketing at 852-7504 in advance.