if this is an emergency can they do an exemption and have the passport the same day

Yes they can but you still have to call and make an appointment within 14 days and have a flight itinerary and proof of emergency on hand. Call them first. You can go in the morning and they can have your passport ready in the afternoon. I just went last week. You do not need 24 hours like Robert Dagreat is saying.

You will need 24hr to receive this.