This article presents the design and applications of a rescue terminal with 
positioning, vital signs sensing, and communicating function for special 
environment. The terminal provides three-dimensional positioning functionality 
via China's Beidou 1 Navigation Satellite (BD1) System and can collect users' 
vital signs with a set of wireless sensors. A controller of the terminal is in 
charge of processing data collected from the wireless sensors and communicating 
with the monitoring platform. With features such as small sizing, low power 
consumption, and accurate positioning, this terminal is very helpful in special 
circumstances such as disaster relief, dangerous outdoor sports and adventure 
monitoring, and antiterrorism activities.