Abstract: The status command and communication device has a single user actuatable control input which is configured as a switch. The switch has a first and a second output state and the system monitors the switch and generates a first, second, and third status commands based upon the detection of first, second and third predetermined sequential switch output states. Based upon the status commands, the command and communication device generates a position signal based upon GPS position locating signals. The device further transmits the position signal and the status commands to a central station which, in turn, generates responsive communications to the device. Other passive input devices are included in the command and communication device (e.g., microphone) as well as an on/off switch. The device also includes, in a preferred embodiment, audio outputs and visual outputs for the user.