Satellite messages kept authorities informed as the injured climber declined extraction and traveled about 10 miles to a waiting vehicle.
BILLINGS, Mont. — Search-and-rescue personnel monitored a Montana hiker for more than six hours after he was pierced by his trekking pole and chose to descend Granite Peak’s remote backcountry with two friends instead of requesting an immediate extraction.
The July 20 response showed how satellite communication, experienced companions and coordination with local dispatchers supported David Cifaldi’s unusual self-evacuation. Officials remained ready to intervene while respecting the 32-year-old nurse’s decision to continue under his own power.
Cifaldi was crossing the Froze-to-Death Plateau with Jesse Ross and Brad Reich when he slipped on rocks. A 44-inch, steel-tipped trekking pole entered beneath his left arm and came out through his back. Cifaldi assessed the injury and believed the pole had remained outside his chest wall and had not damaged a lung or another vital organ.
The hikers used a Garmin inReach satellite communicator to report the accident and explain their plan. Stillwater County Search and Rescue commander Ty Williams said the first call reached authorities at 9:44 a.m. Dispatchers then served as the link between the group and rescue personnel as the hikers moved toward the trailhead.
Cifaldi remained alert and reported little pain or bleeding. Because he declined outside help and appeared capable of making decisions, rescuers did not compel him to accept an evacuation. Williams said officials continued monitoring the situation and could have changed their response if the group reported worsening symptoms or another emergency.
The hikers crossed boulders and snowfields before pushing through rough terrain to an established trail. They covered about 10 miles and descended approximately 5,000 feet. One friend stayed near Cifaldi to watch for bleeding or weakness while the other helped guide the group along the route.
At about 1:30 p.m., the group told dispatchers that it was getting closer to the trailhead and asked authorities to alert the nearest hospital. The hikers reached Ross’ vehicle about two hours later, according to Cifaldi. They first drove to a clinic, where staff directed them to a hospital with more advanced treatment.
Cifaldi later said the possible cost of a medical helicopter was one factor in his decision. Search-and-rescue assistance itself is generally provided without a direct fee in the area, but an air ambulance can result in substantial charges depending on the operator, insurance coverage and circumstances. No exact estimated flight cost in Cifaldi’s case was released.
He also said he would not have made the same choice under every set of conditions. His medical background, the apparent stability of the pole, the presence of two experienced friends and the group’s continuing contact with rescuers all weighed in the decision. Those conditions allowed authorities to maintain oversight without placing another rescue team into difficult terrain unnecessarily.
Doctors at St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings removed the pole and treated Cifaldi. He returned to work after the accident. No rescuers were deployed to carry him from the mountain, and officials reported no additional injuries connected to the descent.
Author note: Last updated July 31, 2026.