Chiefs vs Dolphins: 15 Fans Treated for Hypothermia During Game

The Kansas City Fire Department reported on Monday that their crews responded to 69 calls on GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium property during the Chiefs vs Dolphins game, according to KSHB.

The bitter cold took a toll on attendees, with 15 people sent to hospitals for various cold-related issues.

Seven of the victims suffered from hypothermia, three required hospital treatment for frostbite, and five had additional concerns, as stated by a department spokesperson.

The official temperature at the start of the Chiefs vs Dolphins game was -4 degrees, with a wind chill factor of 27 degrees below zero, according to the Chiefs' game summary.

Despite the challenging conditions, the official attendance was listed as 71,492.

Chilling Records Set at Arrowhead Stadium

The reports did not account for individuals who sought aid at KU Health System's first aid station at the stadium, FOX 4 reports.

Notably, the game marked the coldest ever played at Arrowhead Stadium, making this historic event rank as the fourth-coldest NFL game on record.

During the game, visible effects of the extreme cold were evident.

Head coach Andy Reid sported a frozen mustache, quarterback Patrick Mahomes experienced a shattered helmet, and even backup helmets froze upon use.

Beers were freezing and exploding, while some dedicated fans braved the elements shirtless in the stands.

Medical experts had previously cautioned fans about the dangerously cold weather and wind chill.

Understanding Frostbite and Hypothermia Risks

Frostbite typically begins with frostnip, characterized by a sensation of pins and needles in the extremities.

If untreated, it can progress into more severe stages, causing skin peeling and discoloration. Symptoms include numbness, discolored skin, and clumsiness.

Joe Folsom with Johnson County MED-ACT emphasized the susceptibility of those older than 65 and younger than 18 to frostbite.

"If left untreated, you could become septic, and sepsis could lead to death if left untreated," he noted.

If symptoms develop, individuals should immediately go inside and warm up. However, caution is advised against using excessive heat, as diminished sensation in the hands could lead to further problems.

Hopper, KCFD EMS Division Chief, highlighted the importance of recognizing signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, which can progress to confusion, slow heart rate, and difficulty breathing.

If shivering stops, it becomes a life-threatening condition, and immediate intervention is necessary.

"Shivering is how the body stays warm. Without shivering, you don't begin to generate heat anymore, and at that point, if someone doesn't come to help you, it becomes a fatal condition," Hopper said.

For individuals experiencing advanced stages of frostbite, characterized by peeling skin or discoloration, seeking emergency room care is crucial.

Before the Chiefs vs Dolphins game, the coldest game in NFL history was the 1967 NFL championship, known as the Ice Bowl, with a temperature of minus-13 degrees, KCTV noted.

The wind chill that day was a staggering minus-48 degrees at Lambeau Field when the Packers faced the Cowboys.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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