David Cifaldi and his two companions faced a harrowing situation as they traversed the treacherous Froze-to-Death Plateau in Montana. Near Granite Peak’s summit, an unexpected accident occurred. Cifaldi slipped and was impaled by his trekking pole. This 112-centimeter steel-tipped pole punctured the flesh under his left arm but missed vital organs, emerging from his back.
After discussing with his friends and considering the high cost of a helicopter rescue, Cifaldi decided to save himself. Despite his friends’ initial doubts, Cifaldi, a 32-year-old nurse from Billings, Montana, assessed his own condition. He was aware, experienced minimal pain, and the pole remained stable. Using a Garmin inReach satellite communicator, they contacted local authorities about their self-rescue plan.
The group carefully descended from the plateau on an unmarked path, navigating rocks and snowfields until they reached a marked trail. After more than six hours, covering roughly 16 kilometers and descending about 1,500 meters, they arrived at a trailhead where Jesse Ross, one of Cifaldi’s friends, had parked a vehicle. Ross noted, “The only reason this was possible was his confidence. Who are we to say otherwise? He is the medical professional. Our role was simply to support him.”
Cifaldi had long aimed to scale Granite Peak. At 3,900 meters, Montana’s highest peak is notorious for unpredictable weather, including hazardous storms and severe cold. Annually, hundreds attempt the rocky summit, though many turn back. In 2019, authorities reported a 65-year-old experienced climber from Minnesota fell approximately 45 meters and died shortly before reaching the peak with his son.
As Cifaldi and his companions descended with the pole awkwardly protruding from his side, Ty Williams, commander of the Stillwater County Search and Rescue Team, monitored their progress. The group contacted local dispatch at 9:44 a.m. on July 20, soon after the impalement. By 1:30 p.m., they signaled their approach to the trailhead, requesting notification of the nearest hospital.
Williams commented, “There was no risk to anyone else. He didn’t want our help, so we won’t violate his rights by imposing aid.” By 3:30 p.m., they were en route to the nearest clinic in Ross’s vehicle. Upon arrival, Cifaldi learned he needed more advanced care in Billings. They continued to St. Vincent Healthcare, where Cifaldi worked.
Doctors removed the trekking pole, treated his wounds, and Cifaldi returned to work that week. Reflecting on the ordeal from Ross’s front porch in Billings, Cifaldi said, “I think ninety-nine times out of a hundred, I’d make the same decision. Search and rescue assistance is free. The flight is not. That influenced my decision to self-rescue. Having two great friends with experience and the ability to contact search and rescue if needed made the choice easier.”