70% of Chiefs-Dolphins Fans Who Got Frostbite at Playoffs Could Face Amputation

There's nothing wrong with loving football and wanting to go to a game. That's especially true when it's a playoff game, because those are the most exciting. But, sometimes the weather is not conducive to attending an outdoor event. Still, the show must go on. The Chiefs-Dolphins game earlier this year was played in temperatures around -4 with a -27 degree wind chill. That's a deadly combination. I love football, but I could have never braved that kind of weather for the game.

Dr. Megan Garcia, the medical director at the Grossman Burn Center at Research Medical Center, tells Fox4kc.com that a massive 70% of patients that have come in for frostbite injuries from the January 2023 game are now being recommended for amputations. Dr. Garcia adds that when people think of burns, they assume that they are always caused by a fire. But, that's not the case. Burns can happen from frostbit.

Garcia also said that back in January, she started to see dozens of frostbite patients. A lot were fans who went to the Chiefs-Dolphins game. "The patients who had their frostbite injuries along with the Chiefs game, they are just getting to the point now we are starting to discuss their amputations that might be necessary," Garcia exclaimed. Moreover, the other 30% were fortunate enough to not have to go through amputation. That's because they had a special treatment in hyperbaric oxygen tanks. That said, Garcia warns that those people will still have long-term injuries. She says that dealing with frostbite is "still a lifelong process." In the end, it's not worth it. If it's too cold outside, just stay inside, if that's possible. If you have to be outdoors, don't expose your skin to the cold temperatures for even a few seconds. Also, dress appropriately. Perhaps the NFL should look at moving games that are dangerously cold indoors, too.