Abstract: A method and system (10) for directing relief to individuals (11) requiring emergency assistance includes each individual in a building (20) carrying a respective transponder (12). The transponders transmit a wireless emergency signal in response to actuation by an individual. A communication link (22) such as a local area network (LAN) runs throughout the building. Transceivers (14) located at known locations are connected to the link. Each transceiver has a unique identification and wirelessly receives an emergency signal transmitted by a transponder located within the vicinity of the transceiver. Each transceiver transmits the received emergency signal along with the unique transceiver identification to a controller (16) via the link. The controller processes a received emergency signal to determine the location of the individual requiring emergency assistance based on the unique identifications of the transceivers transmitting the emergency signal.