Montana Climber’s Self-Rescue Story

David Cifaldi and his fellow hikers were crossing Montana’s challenging Froze-to-Death Plateau. As they neared the state’s highest peak, an unexpected and dangerous incident occurred. Cifaldi slipped, and during the fall, his trekking pole impaled him.

The steel-tipped, 44-inch pole pierced under Cifaldi’s left arm, exiting through his back without hitting any vital organs. Faced with the high expense of helicopter rescue, Cifaldi decided to take matters into his own hands. He discussed this with his friends, who were initially hesitant. “We need to get off this mountain,” Cifaldi asserted, and his medical expertise gave him confidence; he believed the injury was superficial.

At 32, Cifaldi worked in wound care in a Billings, Montana hospital. After assessing himself, he found he was conscious, in minimal pain, and bleeding lightly. The group used a satellite communication device, Garmin inReach, to inform local authorities of their self-rescue plan.

Cautiously, they began descending from the plateau, navigating unmarked paths through rocks and snow, eventually reaching a trail. After a grueling six hours covering about 10 miles and descending roughly 5,000 feet, the group reached a trailhead. Jesse Ross, a friend, had parked a vehicle there. “His confidence made it possible,” Ross reflected. “Our role was to support him. He’s the medical professional.”

Cifaldi had long aspired to climb Granite Peak. At 12,800 feet, Montana’s tallest mountain often experiences erratic weather, including severe storms and intense cold. Annually, hundreds attempt its summit, though many stop halfway. In 2019, a 65-year-old experienced climber died after falling 150 feet near the peak.

As Cifaldi and his companions descended with the pole protruding awkwardly, Stillwater County’s Search and Rescue commander, Ty Williams, monitored their progress. An operator relayed updates from the group. The first came at 9:44 AM on July 20, soon after the injury. By 1:30 PM, they were nearing the trailhead, prompting Williams to notify the nearest hospital.

“There was no threat to anyone else,” Williams noted. “He didn’t want our help, so we respected his decision.” By 3:30 PM, the hikers were driving to a clinic. Upon arrival, they were advised to seek more advanced treatment in Billings, leading them back to St. Vincent Regional Hospital, Cifaldi’s workplace.

Doctors extracted the pole, treated the wound, and he returned to work that week. “I’d make the same decision 99 times out of 100,” Cifaldi stated. “Search and rescue services are free, but flights aren’t, which influenced my choice. Having experienced friends and communication with rescue services made the decision easier.”