The 44-inch (112-cenimter) steel-tipped pole passed through the flesh beneath Cifaldi's left arm, missing any vital organs, and protruded from his back. After conferring with his friends - and considering the high cost of a helicopter rescue - Cifaldi knew who would save him: himself. The 32-year-old nurse, who works in wound care at a Billings, Montana, hospital, did a self-assessment. So they got back in Ross' truck and kept driving to the hospital where he works, St. Vincent Regional Hospital. "Search and rescue coming to help you is free.