A 32-year-old nurse impaled himself on his trekking pole during a climb of Granite Peak in Montana and subsequently walked 10 miles down the mountain to avoid ambulance fees. The incident occurred on July 20 when David Cifaldi lost his footing on the rugged terrain and fell onto his pole.
The trekking pole penetrated Cifaldi's side, passing through his latissimus dorsi muscle and protruding from both ends. Medical professionals estimate the pole was lodged in his body for approximately eight to nine hours from the time of the fall until its removal.
Cifaldi's emergency room nurse training allowed him to self-assess the wound. He determined that vital organs were not hit and that there was no significant bleeding or loss of feeling. He then made the decision to self-rescue rather than wait for a potential extraction.
Assisted by two companions, Cifaldi navigated the challenging descent. He fashioned a makeshift sling from his running vest's chest strap, and one friend monitored for bleeding. The group reached the trailhead after six and a half hours. Cifaldi was subsequently taken to a hospital and later transferred to Intermountain Health in Billings.
Doctors successfully removed the trekking pole without complications. Cifaldi is still recovering and may require additional surgery. He told reporters that he feels fortunate the accident was not more severe, noting that "a couple inches the other way, and this would be a different story."
Granite Peak, located in the Beartooth Mountains, stands at 12,807 feet and is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist Cifaldi with his medical expenses.