Abstract: The multifunctional personal alert safety system of the present invention includes a portable safety monitoring device which is removably coupled for independent operation to an external self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) containing a source of pressurized air. The portable safety monitoring device comprises a motion sensor unit, an alarm and a control having an activated position and a deactivated position. In addition the system includes a pressure switch which is responsive to the flow of pressurized air from said self contained breathing apparatus above a predetermined minimum level for causing the control to activate putting the motion sensor unit and alarm in an operational mode. Once in an operational mode the motion sensor and alarm remain operational independent of further operation of the pressure switch. A manual switch is also included for operating the portable monitoring safety device independent of the self contained breathing apparatus when the control is deactivated.