METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Abstract(summary):

Methods and systems for contingency communication are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for providing emergency services may be performed by a portable device operating in a communication system. In an embodiment, the method for providing emergency services includes operating in at least one of a plurality of modes. A stress mode may be entered from a normal mode in response to receiving a beacon signal indicating an emergency status. An indication may be provided on the portable device regarding the emergency status via an audio, visual, or mechanical user interface during the stress mode. An acknowledgement signal may be transmitted in response to the beacon signal.