A nurse, aged 32, experienced a surprising incident while climbing the highest peak in Montana accompanied by two friends. The excursion turned into a harrowing ordeal when David Cifaldi slipped on the rocky terrain and landed on his hiking pole.
Embarking on their ascent of Granite Peak on July 20, Cifaldi and his companions encountered unexpected challenges. Cifaldi shared with KTMF that the mishap was an unusual occurrence, typically resulting in a minor injury like a twisted ankle rather than a severe accident.
Despite his condition, Cifaldi opted for self-rescue instead of waiting for assistance, trekking back 10 miles to the trailhead with the pole still lodged in his body. To manage the situation, he improvised a sling using the chest strap of his running vest, while one friend monitored any bleeding. The arduous journey lasted approximately six and a half hours.
The trekking pole pierced Cifaldi’s side, penetrating his lat muscle and protruding from both ends, with around eight inches separating the two wounds, as detailed in a GoFundMe campaign set up by a friend.
Upon reaching the trailhead, Cifaldi was transported to the hospital, where medical professionals successfully removed the pole without complications.
The fundraising initiative was initiated by Jesse Ross, one of Cifaldi’s hiking companions, who recounted their expedition to Granite Peak. Ross described the incident where Cifaldi stumbled and the pole impaled him, requiring swift action to address the serious injury.
From the fall to the pole’s extraction, the entire ordeal lasted approximately 8-9 hours. Cifaldi is currently under medical care and is facing substantial healthcare costs.
For those interested in supporting Cifaldi’s recovery, donations can be made through the GoFundMe page provided.
