In brief
While hiking Granite Peak in Montana, David Cifaldi slipped and was impaled by his trekking pole—yet the injury missed all major organs. Instead of waiting for help, he used his wound‑care nurse skills to treat the wound on the trail and trekked 10 miles down the mountain. The incident shows how quick thinking and basic medical knowledge can make the difference between life and death in the wilderness.
The Incident
David Cifaldi was hiking Montana’s Granite Peak with friends when a slip turned into a dangerous impalement—his trekking pole pierced his back but missed critical organs. He didn’t wait for a helicopter rescue. Using his training as a wound‑care nurse, he first checked the wound, applied pressure, and secured the pole. Then he set off on a 10‑mile descent, walking the rest of the way on foot, trusting his knowledge and perseverance to keep him alive.
Medical Genius!
- Immediately assessed the wound to prevent infection.
- Knelt to check for bleeding and kept the area clean.
- Applied a clean dressing before going downhill.
Lesson for Trailers: 1) Carry a basic first‑aid kit, 2) Know how to treat injuries on the spot, 3) Don’t panic—stay calm and move safely.
