Nurse Hiker Survives Pole Impalement | Dover News

A Montana hiker, David Cifaldi, survived a harrowing ordeal after impaling himself with his trekking pole on the Froze-to-Death Plateau—steel piercing from armpit to back, missing vital organs. As a nurse trained in wound care, he assessed himself, stayed calm, and with two friends, hiked out on their own using satellite tech to guide rescuers remotely. They reached a trail, updated authorities, and arrived at his own hospital where doctors removed the pole. Back at work this week, Cifaldi credits his medical training, trusted companions, and the cost of a helicopter rescue for his decision to self-rescue. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/bf090e33cccbb0c6