Abstract: An emergency messaging device and related service is provided that does not rely on traditional communication network connections and may be used by individuals without means or opportunity to possess a conventional smartphone type of device. The emergency messaging device is configured as a simple, rudimentary device requiring only the capability to communicate via a short-range wireless link (e.g., Bluetooth) so as to broadcast its ID and location (using GPS data) when activated. A collection of such messaging devices that are located within range of each other form an ad hoc mesh network to relay the help message until it reaches a network-enabled communication device (such as a smartphone) that has been configured to transmit the message to a network-based emergency services platform servicing an API configured to determine and launch an appropriate response to the message.