Abstract: There is described an emergency action system which is an integrated security control and communications system employed for relatively large and secure installations such as embassies, military buildings and so on. The emergency action system apparatus consists of two major subdivisions. A first subdivision is a security and control subsystem which operates to monitor and control sensors and actuators associated with an intrusion detection system. The security and control subsystem handles event logging, generates alarm map displays and switches and distributes surveillance video. The second subdivision of the system is associated with user emergency action consoles which consoles provide the interface and handle voice and data communications to enable the user to interface with the existing communications system as located on the installation as well as with the intrusion detection system.