Management of multiple frostbite casualties at a burn center: San Antonio, Texas, 12–20 February 2021

Abstract

BackgroundFrostbite is an insidious disease that normally affects people of cold climates. Winter Storm Uri, which occurred from February 12–20, 2021, created unique metrological conditions for Texas. It caused prolonged sub-freezing temperatures and led to rolling blackouts, affecting 2.8 million Texans including 300,000 people in San Antonio. We report 13 frostbite patients admitted to one burn center during this event. ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the at-risk population for frostbite, to categorize their injury severity, and to describe their treatment. A secondary aim was to describe the rehabilitation management of these patients. MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective study. Each patient’s injuries were assessed by a topographical grading system. Comparisons were made among those who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), admitted to the progressive care unit (PCU), and treated as outpatients. ResultsThirteen patients were identified. Ten (76.9 %) considered themselves homeless, and 9 (69.2 %) were directly exposed to the elements. The median delay between time of injury and presentation to a medical facility was 3 days (IQR 1–6). Only 3 patients presented to a medical facility within 24 h. Six (46 %) sustained grade 2 injuries, 2 (15 %) sustained grade 3 injuries, and 5 (38%) sustained grade 4 injuries. Only one patient met criteria to receive tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which was discontinued due to hematochezia. Patients admitted to the ICU, when compared to patients admitted to the ward, had a longer length of stay (median 73 days v. 12 days, p = 0.0215), and required more amputations at below-the-knee or higher levels (3 v. 0, p-value 0.0442). ConclusionIn a region unaccustomed and perhaps unprepared to deal with winter storms, the population is particularly vulnerable to frostbite. Lack of awareness of frostbite injuries likely led to the delay in the presentation of patients, which prevented the timely use of tPA. Increasing public awareness may increase readiness.