When Elisabeth Nordgarden’s young son came running to her in tears after playing outside, she assumed he had been stung by an insect. However, a closer look revealed something much more serious—and potentially life-threatening.
A Normal Day Turns Concerning
Three-year-old Kristoffer Nordgarden had been enjoying a warm day outdoors, like many children his age. His mother, Elisabeth, had taken him and his siblings to visit family, where they spent time playing in the yard. Suddenly, Kristoffer began crying and sought comfort in his mother’s lap.
“At first, we thought he was stung by a wasp or scratched himself on a branch,” Elisabeth told NRK. However, what followed made her realize the situation was more serious than it appeared.
A Surprising Discovery
Within 15 minutes, Kristoffer’s foot began to swell and change color, turning blue. Elisabeth immediately called emergency services. Paramedics and even a helicopter arrived quickly, and medical responders determined the little boy had likely been bitten by a viper, a venomous snake found in parts of Europe.
Kristoffer was rushed to a hospital and administered antivenom. Initially, he responded well to treatment—but complications soon followed.
A Challenging Recovery
Doctors noticed that Kristoffer was suffering from internal bleeding. Bruising spread across his body, and his blood volume dropped to dangerously low levels. In just a short time, he lost significant weight, dropping from 44 pounds to 33 pounds.
After nearly two weeks in the hospital, and with intensive care and monitoring, Kristoffer thankfully recovered and was able to return home. His resilience and the fast medical response were crucial to his recovery.
A Wake-Up Call for Parents
Kristoffer’s story serves as an important reminder for parents and caregivers about the importance of outdoor safety, especially during warmer months when snakes are more active. While snake bites are relatively rare, they can happen—especially when children are barefoot or exploring areas with tall grass or brush.
Safety Tip: Always ensure children wear appropriate footwear when playing outdoors, particularly in areas where wildlife may be present.
Elisabeth now makes it a point to have her children wear boots in grassy areas and keeps a closer watch when they play outside. “I have much more respect for vipers now, and I will ensure that my kids wear boots when they go out in areas with high grass in the future,” she said.
How to Prevent Snake Bites in Children
To minimize the risk of snake bites or similar injuries, parents can take these precautions:
- Dress children in protective clothing (like closed-toe shoes and long pants) when exploring nature.
- Clear yards and gardens of tall grass, woodpiles, and debris where snakes may hide.
- Teach kids to be cautious and avoid touching unknown animals or walking in tall grass barefoot.
- Supervise young children during outdoor play, especially in rural or wooded areas.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor play is essential for children’s growth and development—but safety should always be a priority. Elisabeth Nordgarden’s experience is a powerful lesson in vigilance. Thanks to her quick action and medical help, Kristoffer made a full recovery. This story now helps raise awareness for other families who may unknowingly face similar risks.