Montana man hikes 10 miles to safety after falling on trekking pole
Summary
A Montana man named David Cifaldi fell on a trekking pole that pierced his side and back near the top of Granite Peak. Using his medical knowledge, he hiked 10 miles with the pole still in his body to reach safety before being treated in the hospital.Key Facts
- David Cifaldi fell near the summit of Granite Peak, Montana’s highest mountain at about 12,803 feet.
- The trekking pole went through his side under the left arm and out his lower back, missing vital organs.
- He used a satellite device to alert authorities before hiking 10 miles with the pole still in place.
- Cifaldi is an emergency room nurse trained in wound care, which helped him stay calm and assess the injury.
- His two friends helped him by walking behind to support and warning other hikers ahead.
- After reaching the trailhead, Cifaldi was taken to a clinic and later to a hospital for surgery to remove the pole.
- The accident happened on July 20 during a hiking trip that started early in the morning.
- Granite Peak has a history of difficult climbs and was the site of a famous 1959 climber disappearance.
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