Froze-to-Death Plateau

David Cifaldi impaled himself on a steel-tipped trekking pole while hiking in Montana’s Froze-to-Death Plateau but opted to hike out with his companions instead of a helicopter rescue. Using a Garmin inReach device, the group communicated with authorities during a 10-mile descent to safety, avoiding vital organs as the pole protruded from his side for six hours.

David Cifaldi was impaled by his trekking pole while hiking on Montana's Froze-to-Death Plateau near the state's highest peak. He hiked out of the mountains to seek help after the incident.

David Cifaldi was hiking in Montana's Froze-to-Death Plateau when he slipped and impaled himself on his trekking pole during a fall. He hiked out of the mountains to seek help after the incident.

David Cifaldi was hiking on Montana's Froze-to-Death Plateau when he slipped and impaled himself on his trekking pole. He hiked out of the mountains to seek help.

David Cifaldi was crossing Montana's Froze-to-Death Plateau when he slipped and impaled himself on his trekking pole during a fall. He hiked out of the mountains to seek help.

David Cifaldi sustained a severe injury during a hike on Montana's Froze-to-Death Plateau when a trekking pole pierced his body. His decision following the incident surprised his companions.

David Cifaldi, a nurse, impaled himself on his trekking pole during a hike in Montana but chose to hike out with his companions instead of a helicopter rescue. Using a Garmin inReach device, they contacted authorities and descended approximately 5,000 feet over 10 miles to reach a trailhead, where they sought medical care.

David Cifaldi, a 32-year-old nurse, impaled himself on a trekking pole while hiking in Montana's Froze-to-Death Plateau but decided to hike out with friends instead of requesting a helicopter rescue. Using a Garmin inReach device, the group communicated with authorities as they descended the mountain, covering 10 miles over six hours to reach a trailhead.