Man impaled by a hiking pole treks 10 miles down mountain

What the report says

BBC World News reported that David Cifaldi was hiking with friends on Montana’s Granite Peak when he slipped and became impaled by his trekking pole. According to the BBC’s account, the pole pierced his side but did not strike any major organs, a factor that appears to have helped make his survival and descent possible.

Rather than request a helicopter evacuation, Cifaldi chose to walk out. The BBC said he trekked about 10 miles down the mountain while the pole remained in his body. The report noted that Cifaldi is a wound care nurse, and said he responded by assessing and managing the injury during the ordeal.

The incident stands out because Granite Peak is Montana’s highest mountain and is known as a serious backcountry objective, where distance, terrain and changing conditions can complicate rescue efforts. The BBC report does not provide further detail on the exact date of the accident, the route taken, the role of his companions during the descent, or any subsequent hospital treatment.

The episode is a reminder of the risks involved in remote hiking and mountaineering, where even ordinary gear can become dangerous in a fall. More broadly, wilderness safety guidance commonly emphasizes carrying emergency communication tools, traveling with others when possible, and seeking professional rescue help when injuries may be life-threatening; in this case, the BBC reported that Cifaldi relied on his medical training while making his way down on foot.