NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiJuly 30, 2026Miami-Dade
Hiker self-rescues after impalement on Granite Peak
A 32-year-old nurse successfully hiked 10 miles to safety after accidentally impaling himself with a trekking pole while climbing Montana's Granite Peak. He chose to self-rescue rather than request a helicopter, citing the potential cost and his own medical assessment of the injury.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 News MiamiWhy It Matters
The incident highlights the decision-making process for backcountry emergencies and the role of personal medical assessment in declining professional search and rescue services.
Key Facts
- David Cifaldi was impaled by a 44-inch trekking pole while hiking near Granite Peak.
- The pole passed through flesh beneath the left arm and protruded from the back, missing vital organs.
- Cifaldi, a 32-year-old wound care nurse, performed a self-assessment and determined he was stable enough to hike out.
- The group used a Garmin inReach satellite device to notify authorities of their intent to self-rescue.
- The group hiked approximately 10 miles and descended 5,000 feet over six hours to reach a trailhead.
- Stillwater County Search and Rescue monitored the group's progress via dispatcher after the first call at 9:44 a.m. on July 20.
- Search and rescue officials confirmed they did not force assistance because the hiker declined help and was not in immediate danger.
- Cifaldi was treated at St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings after being transported by his companion.
- Cifaldi returned to work within one week of the incident.
- Cifaldi cited the potential cost of a helicopter rescue as a factor in his decision to self-rescue.
Who's Mentioned
locationGranite Peak“The mountain where the incident occurred.”organizationSt. Vincent Regional Hospital“The hospital where Cifaldi works and received treatment.”personDavid Cifaldi“The hiker who was impaled and performed a self-rescue.”personTy Williams“Stillwater County Search and Rescue team commander who monitored the situation.”organizationStillwater County Search and Rescue“The local rescue authority that monitored the hikers' progress.”personJesse Ross“Cifaldi's hiking companion who provided support and transportation.”