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David Cifaldi hikes 10 miles back to safety with a trekking pole impaled through his torso on Montana's tallest mountain

David Cifaldi, a 32-year-old wound care nurse, successfully hiked 10 miles back to safety after a trekking pole became impaled in his body while climbing Granite Peak. The accident occurred on July 20 when Cifaldi slipped on loose rocks at 11,800 feet, driving a 44-inch steel-tipped pole through his left arm and out his back. Because the pole missed his vital organs, Cifaldi used his medical training to determine that he could self-rescue without a helicopter evacuation. Accompanied by two friends, Cifaldi navigated rugged terrain, snowfields, and boulders for over six hours. The group used a satellite communication device to notify Stillwater County Search and Rescue, who monitored his progress but did not intervene as Cifaldi declined forced assistance. After reaching the trailhead, Cifaldi was driven to St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings, where doctors removed the pole and treated his injuries. Cifaldi reported that he would make the same decision again, citing his confidence in his friends and the ability to contact rescuers if necessary.

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