A system for 2-way data and voice communication with a user A base station in communicates with a response center. A portable device has a cellular transceiver module, a GPS module and an emergency call button, and is in two-way communication with a response center for communicating the location of the portable device to the response center in response to activation of the emergency call button. A wearable pendant has a panic button, and outputs a signal in response to activation of the panic button. The portable device receives the signal and contacts the response center in response to the signal when the portable device is not in proximity to the base station; and the base station receives the signal and the base station communicates with the response center when the portable device is in proximity of the base station.