Abstract: In various embodiments, a personal emergency detection, notification, coordination and response method and system for individuals is disclosed. A monitoring device, for example a digital smart watch, is configured to identify an emergency using built-in sensors. The sensors are operable to perform spectral analysis of skin tissues. Example sensors include: LEDs and optical detectors for heart rate monitoring, blood perfusion checking, and tissue oxygenation checking; acceleration sensing to sense falls and accidents; and a GPS system for reporting the location of the wearer to interested parties. A communication chip with an associated antenna, and an audio chip are also included. Deviations in vital signs are used to detect health anomalies. By aggregating data that is anonymously collected from multiple users, the system constructs models that are compared with data from a specific user, to warn the user before an emergency occurs, for certain classes of health incidents.