A Montana man survived a harrowing ordeal when he fell on his trekking pole during a hike on Granite Peak, the state's highest mountain. David Cifaldi walked 10 miles to safety with the pole speared through his torso, narrowly missing vital organs.
The Accident on Granite Peak
On July 20, David Cifaldi, a nurse, set out with two friends to summit the 12,803-foot peak. Near the top, he slipped on loose rocks and fell directly onto one of his two trekking poles. The pole entered below his left arm and exited through his lower back, missing his lungs and spine by inches.
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Medical Training Kicks In
Cifaldi, an emergency room nurse, assessed his condition and determined it was not immediately life-threatening. He and his friends decided to hike down rather than wait for rescue. They used a satellite communicator to alert authorities, then began the six-and-a-half-hour descent. One friend walked ahead to warn other hikers, while another stayed behind to steady Cifaldi.
Survival Against the Odds
After reaching the trailhead, Cifaldi was taken to a local clinic and then driven two hours to a hospital in Billings. Surgeons carefully removed the pole. He credits his nursing background for keeping him calm: “I think my nurse brain clicked on.”
| Injury Detail | Impact |
|---|---|
| Pole entry point | Below left arm |
| Pole exit point | Lower back |
| Distance hiked | 10 miles (6.5 hours) |
| Vital organs missed | Lungs, spine, major arteries |
Key Takeaways for Hikers
- Always carry a satellite communicator in remote areas.
- Basic first aid knowledge can be life-saving.
- Hike with a partner and have a plan for emergencies.
- Stay calm and assess injuries before moving.
- Know the terrain and your own limits.
FAQ
How far did the man hike with a trekking pole through his body?
He hiked 10 miles over 6.5 hours with the pole still embedded.
What mountain was the accident on?
The accident occurred on Granite Peak, Montana's highest mountain at 12,803 feet.
What did the hiker's medical training do to help?
Cifaldi, an ER nurse, self-assessed his injury and realized it wasn't immediately life-threatening, allowing him to hike out safely.
This incredible story highlights the importance of hiking safety and being prepared for emergencies. Always carry proper gear, know basic first aid, and never hike alone in remote areas. Stay safe on the trails.
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