Abstract: A communication system usable with an interactive wearable badge that is operable to provide security and access control, location tracking, photo identification, and communication of alerts or other useful information in a small package. The disclosed. badge and communication system is optionally useful in caring for patients as part of a patient monitoring system useful for administering patient care in a medical facility or in an emergency response, and/or lor reporting and martialing resources to handle fires, floods, intruders, or other potentially dangerous situations in a facility or other predefined area.