What is the "CAMEO" system, and its purpose?

The "CAMEO" system, which stands for Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations, serves a critical role in enhancing the management and response to chemical emergencies. Its primary purpose is to provide emergency responders with the necessary tools and information to effectively prepare for, respond to, and mitigate incidents involving hazardous materials.

CAMEO integrates a database of chemical information with software designed to help emergency planners and responders manage emergency situations. This includes providing data on the properties of chemicals, safety measures, and response protocols. The system supports the coordination of efforts between various agencies and enhances situational awareness during incidents.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the scope or functionality of CAMEO. For instance, while there are databases that track hazardous chemicals, CAMEO is specifically focused on emergency response management rather than tracking alone. Similarly, although training programs exist for hazardous materials responders, CAMEO itself is not primarily a training program but a tool to support operational management during emergencies. Lastly, while laboratories analyze hazardous materials, this is a different function from what CAMEO provides, which revolves around real-time emergency management rather than laboratory analysis.