"I Am Really Lucky": U.S. Nurse Walks Over 16km With Trekking Pole Pierced in Back for 6 Hours

Calm Descent After Assessing His Condition
"If It Had Pierced Slightly Differently, the Outcome Would Have Changed"

An American man was involved in an accident where a trekking pole pierced through his back while hiking. It has drawn attention that, despite the pain, he reportedly managed to walk 16 kilometers and safely descended the mountain.

According to CNN, David Sipaldi from Montana was hiking up Granite Peak—the highest mountain in Montana—with two friends when he slipped. At 3,904 meters above sea level, Granite Peak is the tenth highest peak in the North American continent.

David Sipaldi walking with a trekking pole pierced through his body. Screenshot from local US broadcaster KTMP.

During the fall, Sipaldi realized that one of his trekking poles had pierced through his side. However, being a wound-care specialist nurse, he calmly checked his own condition and determined that his life was not in immediate danger.

One of Sipaldi's friends quickly contacted rescue teams using a satellite communication device, while the other accompanied him, monitoring his injury from behind. Sipaldi walked the rough mountain path for an additional 16 kilometers with the trekking pole still piercing his body.

After a grueling six and a half hours, they arrived at the trailhead, and Sipaldi was immediately transferred to a nearby hospital. Medical staff promptly removed the pole from his back, and reports indicate that Sipaldi is currently stable and in recovery.

In an interview with local media, he said, "I was really lucky," adding, "If the pole had pierced just slightly in a different direction, the outcome could have been completely different."

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