Sonali TiwaryA Montana hiker demonstrated remarkable resilience when he walked more than 10 miles for help after accidentally impaling himself on his own trekking pole during a hiking accident on July 20, 2026.
David Cifaldi, 32, was hiking with two friends on Montana’s tallest mountain when he slipped on wet rock and fell directly onto his trekking pole. The pole penetrated through his left lateral muscle below his armpit and exited through his back, leaving him with a serious puncture wound traversing through his torso.
Rather than removing the pole, which could have caused catastrophic internal bleeding, Cifaldi and his companions made the critical decision to carefully retrace their route down the mountain with the pole still lodged in his body. Wilderness first aid protocols emphasize not removing impaled objects, as removal can cause severe bleeding and organ damage.
The group had to navigate rough terrain while managing Cifaldi’s condition and ensuring he remained stable throughout the descent. One friend used a satellite communicator to contact search and rescue while they were still on the mountain, alerting rescue teams to the situation and providing location information. The second friend stayed beside Cifaldi throughout the approximately six-and-a-half-hour descent to monitor his condition and provide support.
The group reached the trailhead after the extended descent, where Cifaldi received immediate medical attention and was transported to a hospital. He was subsequently transferred to Intermountain Health in Billings for specialized trauma care. Despite the severity of the injury and the traumatic experience of hiking miles with the pole embedded in his body, Cifaldi survived the incident.
Medical professionals were reportedly surprised at Cifaldi’s outcome given the nature of the injury. The fact that the pole missed vital organs and that he received prompt medical attention after reaching help likely contributed significantly to his survival. Despite the harrowing experience and recovery process ahead, Cifaldi has stated his intention to return to mountain hiking, suggesting determination to resume outdoor activities despite the serious accident.
