Abstract: A method and apparatus of detecting life in a wearer of a body-worn device includes at least a temperature sensor and a motion sensing device (e.g., an accelerometer) interfaced or within the body-worn device, each coupled to the wearer of the body worn device to measure body temperature of the wearer as well as movement of the wearer. Further sensors such as heart beat sensors are also anticipated for improved accuracy. The method and apparatus of detecting life declares that the wearer is dead after successive periodic readings of temperature have continually changed at a predetermined rate and no movement has been detected by the motion sensing device for a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the motion sensing device is a three-axis accelerometer.