In January, during a bitter cold playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins, multiple attendees suffered from frostbite, with some now facing the possibility of amputations, according to a hospital official at the Grossman Burn Center at Research Medical Center.

The game, which took place in Kansas City, recorded a bone-chilling temperature of minus-4 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by wind gusts up to 27 mph, resulting in a wind chill of minus-27 degrees. This made it the fourth coldest game in NFL history and the coldest in Chiefs franchise history.

Reports from the Kansas City Fire Department revealed that approximately half of the 69 emergency calls they responded to during the game were hypothermia-related. Three individuals were transported for frostbite, but the exact number of people who sought medical care at the stadium's first aid center or on their own after the game remains unknown.

Dr. Megan Garcia, the medical director at the Grossman Burn Center, spoke about the lingering effects experienced by some of the frostbitten football fans. The burn center, traditionally associated with thermal injuries, has now found itself providing treatment for injuries caused by extreme cold weather conditions.

Dr. Garcia informed WDAF that she had treated dozens of patients with frostbite injuries, many of whom were Chiefs fans attending the playoff game. She revealed that 70% of these patients are now being advised to schedule amputations as part of their long-term treatment.

For the fortunate 30% who managed to avoid amputation, their road to recovery will still be challenging. Despite undergoing treatment in hyperbaric oxygen tanks over the past few weeks, they are likely to experience lifelong sensitivity and pain, as well as an increased susceptibility to future frostbite incidents.

Dr. Garcia emphasized the importance of educating these patients about staying warm and taking precautions to prevent frostbite in the future. She stressed that staying mindful of their vulnerability will be crucial in ensuring their well-being in the years and months to come.

The severe consequences faced by these football fans highlight the dangers of prolonged exposure to extreme cold temperatures. As Kansas City grapples with the aftermath of this frigid playoff game, it serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions when venturing out in harsh weather conditions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.