A personal emergency communication system includes a user-carried portable communication unit having a single button, which when depressed by the user, wirelessly sends a call request signal to a base unit. The base unit initiates a telephone call through a dial-up network to an emergency .[.response center and places an operator at the emergency center.]. .Iadd.responder .Iaddend.in wireless voice communication with the portable unit when the call is connected. .[.The telephone number to be called can be stored in at least one of the portable unit and the base unit..]. A speech synthesizer operating in combination with automated voice messages stored in .[.at least one of the base unit and portable unit.]. .Iadd.system memory .Iaddend.are used to advise the user of the status of the call, and to provide the user with verbal confirmation that .[.functional systems of the base unit are.]. .Iadd.the system is functionally .Iaddend.operating properly.