A method for effecting emergency service communications using a preferred mode by a communication station configured for communicating using multiple modes includes: (a) evaluating the multiple modes to identify a plurality of extant operationally viable modes for the communication station; (b) evaluating the plurality of extant operationally viable modes to identify the preferred mode among the plurality of extant operationally viable modes; the preferred mode having a generally best communicating milieu among the plurality of extant operationally viable modes; and (c) initiating the emergency service communications employing the preferred mode.