Abstract: A portable cardiac defibrillator for resuscitating individuals suffering cardiac events having an integrated short-range wireless transmitter or transceiver capable of using its access to another communications device for purpose summoning emergency aid (utilizing the cellular telephone system, satellite telephone system and/or marine or other radio frequencies), and/or providing voice communications with individuals who can provide aid, including in some embodiments allowing for the user to manually provide GPS coordinates in situations where cellular locator service is lacking. Additionally, the combined unit may provide a means for utilizing its communication facilities independent of the defibrillator component, and may utilize such facilities to provide diagnostics of the device to prompt for maintenance when necessary, and to alter or upgrade the device's functionality, including such alteration during its use in an emergency.