Hiker Impales Himself on Trekking Pole, Rescues Himself from Montana’s Froze-to-Death Plateau

Billings, Montana — A hiking trip for David Cifaldi and two companions took a dangerous turn on the Froze-to-Death Plateau in Montana. As they neared the summit of Granite Peak, Cifaldi slipped and fell, impaling himself on his trekking pole.

The pole, 44 inches long with a steel tip, pierced beneath his left arm, exiting through his back. Fortunately, it missed vital organs. After considering the costs of a helicopter rescue, Cifaldi decided to rely on himself for survival.

‘We’ve got to get off this mountain,’ Cifaldi recalled telling his friends. Despite their initial hesitation, Cifaldi remained confident, stating it was ‘just a flesh wound.’

As a nurse specializing in wound care at a hospital in Billings, Cifaldi assessed his condition. He noted minimal pain and bleeding, with the pole stable. The group used a Garmin inReach device to contact authorities, informing them of their self-rescue plan.

Carefully, they descended the plateau, navigating boulders and snowfields before reaching a marked trail. Their journey spanned over 10 miles, descending approximately 5,000 feet in more than six hours. At a trailhead, Cifaldi’s friend, Jesse Ross, had parked a vehicle, which they used to proceed.

‘His confidence made it possible,’ Ross said, as Cifaldi took charge due to his medical experience.

Granite Peak stands as Montana’s highest point at 12,800 feet, known for unpredictable weather and challenging conditions. Climbers often face storms and cold. Many attempt its ascent annually but not all succeed. In 2019, a seasoned 65-year-old climber fell to his death near the peak.

Throughout their descent, Ty Williams, commander of the Stillwater County Search and Rescue team, monitored the hikers’ progress. The group made contact soon after the accident at 9:44 a.m. on July 20. By 1:30 p.m., they reported nearing the trailhead, asking for a hospital alert.

‘He didn’t want our help, and we respected his decision,’ Williams explained. ‘There was no threat to others.’

By 3:30 p.m., the party left in Ross’ vehicle towards a clinic. They were redirected to St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings for advanced care, where doctors successfully removed the pole.

Cifaldi, now back at work, reflected on his choice. ‘Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, I’d do the same,’ he remarked, emphasizing his friends’ support and communication capabilities as key to his decision.