Chief Fans Suffer Frostbite from Playoff Game

A few Kansas City Chiefs Fans who attended the Jan. 13 playoff game against the Miami Dolphins at Arrowhead Stadium have suffered frostbite. A Missouri hospital has reportedly performed amputations on a dozen people from the game. Temperatures at the stadium dipped below zero.

The Research Medical Center said doctors amputated fingers and toes, with more surgeries expected in the coming weeks as “injuries evolve,” according to a statement from the AP. 

The playoff game was the fourth-coldest game in NFL history, reaching temperatures of -4 degrees with wind chills of -27. 

During the game, emergency services provided aid to 69 people. Three people were hospitalized for frostbite and seven more for hypothermia symptoms. 

“It was shocking how cold it was,” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said on his brother, Jason Kelce, on their New Heights Podcast. 

What is Frostbite? 

Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing the skin and underlying tissues. Symptoms include cold skin and a prickling feeling, followed by numbness and discolored skin. 

The early stages of frostbite is known as frostnip. There is no permanent damage to the skin in this stage, but it is very important to warm up your hands as permanent damage can occur. Places you can get frostbite include your hands, fingers, feet, toes, ears, face, and nose. 

How to Prevent

You can prevent frostbite by not exposing your skin to cold and windy conditions. An effective tool to prevent frostbite is covering your skin with gloves and other clothing. You may not realize you have frostbite until someone else points it out.  

How to Treat

If you think you are showing signs of early frostbite, go indoors and seek warmth if possible. You can treat the early stages of frostnip by rewarming, but all other frostbite requires immediate medical attention because it can permanently damage your skin, muscles, bones, and other tissues. 

If you are experiencing frostnip there are a few things you can do according to Cleveland Clinic.

– Remove your cold weather gear or wet clothing and replace with dry clothes. 

– Place your affected skin in a bath of warm water for at least 30 minutes. 

– Place blankets around the affected area, but make sure not to wrap your blanket around the area as it can potentially cut off circulation. 

– Avoid applying heat directly to prevent burns.