Abstract: An emergency alert device is adapted to be worn by a user and to automatically make a cellular phone call to an emergency services center upon activation by a user. The device automatically transmits its current location—derived from GPS, cellular telephone triangulation, or otherwise—via text message, if the emergency services center is equipped to receive text messages, or via a synthesized voice if the emergency services center is not so equipped. The user does not need to dial any phone numbers to activate the call. The device may be attached to, or incorporated into, a wrist watch. A text message is also automatically sent to a recipient who is pre-designated by the user. The text message includes the current location of the user. Repeated text messages are sent if the user's position changes by more than a threshold.