An emergency unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a method for employing a UAV. The method includes storing a digital elevation model (DEM) and associated data including locations of communication networks, updating the locations of communication networks in the associated data via a wireless transceiver, and storing position information determined by a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver. The method includes detecting a predetermined condition using electronic sensors, determining whether the UAV is within a communications range of any communication network via the wireless transceiver, and determining a path to a communication network using the DEM and the associated data. The method also includes causing the UAV to become airborne and fly along the path, and transmitting a distress message via the wireless transceiver to the communication network, the distress message including position information corresponding to a location where the UAV detected the predetermined condition.