First responder communications system

A portable communication device, comprising:

• a network system that automatically assembles a wireless network among other portable communication devices and control devices in an area and automatically assigns a unique identification number to each portable communication device;
• a communication system that receives and transmits voice and data communications over the wireless network using at least one of High Frequency (HF) communications, Very High Frequency (VHF) communications, Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/microwave communications, cellular communications, satellite communications, and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) communications;
• and
• a positioning system that includes Global Positioning System (GPS) components and at least one location sensor, the positioning system automatically determining a position of the device periodically and automatically transferring the position to at least one of the control devices via the wireless network.

A method for automatically tracking and communicating among mobile devices, comprising:

• automatically assembling a wireless network among a plurality of mobile devices and control systems in an area, wherein assembling includes adding mobile devices and control systems to the wireless network as they arrive in the area and removing mobile devices and control systems from the wireless network as they depart the area;
• receiving voice and data communications from each of the mobile devices of the wireless network, wherein the data communications include position and identification information of each mobile device of the wireless network;
• tracking a position and status of a mobile device using the position and identification information;
• and
• generating a map of an engagement and displaying individual positions, tracks, and identifications of each mobile device of the wireless network using the position and identification information.