By incorporating automatic location and identity sensor equipment in an emergency or rescue scenario to facilitate a centralized tracking operation, fire fighters, rescuers, urban combat, etc. operations can be coordinated with greater safety by enabling the tracking of individuals. Passive and active RFID devices incorporated into helmets, badges, or PDA's and cell phones can be used in conjunction with transceivers disposed about the rescue environment to generate real-time tracking and alarm status alerts for the rescuers. External database information, such as the layout of the building, as well as pre-existing communication and security controls in the building can be incorporated into the tracking system to provide increased synergy and effectiveness in rescue or tracking operations. The system is sufficiently modular to enable rapid and scalable deployment to rescue locations.