Nebraska’s only dedicated burn trauma unit is bracing for an increase in frostbite patients as snow and temperatures are expected to descend in the area over the weekend.
Eric Jensen, the burn and trauma program coordinator at CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln, told reporters Thursday that he’s seen three frostbit patients so far in 2026. He expects that number to jump over the next few days.
While ironic, burn units are often best equipped to treat frostbite cases. This is because injuries stemming by extreme heat or extreme cold often result in similar tissue damage, including compromised blood flow, potential tissue death, and the need for specialized wound care. Frostbite can occur in minutes, especially during extremely cold temperatures and windy conditions…