Abstract: Provided is an emergency signalling device and system by which emergency signals are transmitted for reception by an emergency authority when a user set time for the transmission elapses without cancellation or reset. The device may be a telephone or a beacon. In an example the system is a digital mobile phone messaging system using a terrestrial and/or satellite based radio communications wherein the device in the form of a mobile telephone or short messaging service (SMS) capable transceiver automatically transmits an emergency or distress signal addressed to a search and rescue (SAR) or emergency service organization within a preset time interval in the event of incapacitation of the user.