Systems and methods for detecting an event within a monitored area are provided. A transmitter emits an RF interrogation signal into the monitored area. An RF target positioned within the monitored area reflects the interrogation signal as a target signal when the interrogation signal impinges on the RF target. The RF target has a switch actuatable by a user between a switch-state in which the RF target operates in a first reflective state, and a switch-state in which the RF target operates in a second reflective state. A receiver receives the target signal from the RF target. Based on the target signal received by the receiver, a processor can detect an indication of the reflective state in which the RF target is operating. The processor triggers an action in response to the indication of the reflective state in which the RF target is operating.