A system and method for providing a call-for-help capability is provided by the invention. The system comprises a central location having a dedicated telephone line having a specified caller identification known to a speakerphone system located in the general location of a person who uses the system for emergency signaling. The person is provided with the speakerphone system and a pendent for generating an emergency signal containing the person's identifier. When received at the central location, a telephone number of the speakerphone system corresponding to the identifier is determined and a telephone call is made on a telephone channel having the specified caller identification. When any call is received by the speakerphone system, its caller identification is examined to determine if the caller identification of the telephone call is the same as the specified caller identification. If so, the telephone line is automatically made to go offhook and the call is directed to a speaker associated with the speakerphone system for hands-free operation. If not, the telephone receiver associated with the speakerphone system is allowed to ring-in in the normal way for manual activation by the person.