NewsWSVN 7 MiamiJuly 30, 2026Miami-Dade
Hiker self-rescues after impalement on Granite Peak
A 32-year-old nurse successfully hiked 10 miles to safety after being impaled by his own 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 MiamiWhy It Matters
The incident highlights the decision-making process for backcountry emergencies and the role of personal medical assessment in choosing between and 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.
- The first emergency call was placed at 9:44 a.m. on July 20.
- The group reached a vehicle by approximately 3:30 p.m. and drove to a clinic before transferring to St. Vincent Regional Hospital.
- Cifaldi cited the potential cost of a helicopter rescue as a factor in his decision to self-rescue.
- Stillwater County Search and Rescue monitored the group's progress but did not intervene because the hiker declined assistance.
- Cifaldi returned to work the week following the incident.
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 hiker's progress.”personJesse Ross“Cifaldi's hiking companion who provided support and transportation.”