System and method of detecting falls of a subject using a wearable sensor

A system and method are provided for performing physical activity monitoring and fall detection of a subject using a wearable sensor including at least one audio sensor and at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope and a magnetometer. The method includes monitoring activities of the subject using the at least one of the accelerometer, the gyroscope and the magnetometer, and identifying a characteristic motion pattern based on the monitored activities; detecting an apparent fall experienced by the subject based on the identified at least one characteristic motion pattern; monitoring sounds provided by the at least one audio sensor following the detected apparent fall; determining whether the detected apparent fall is an actual fall experienced by the subject based on the monitored sounds; and communicating an indication of the actual fall to a monitoring system, enabling commencement of responsive action.