During Thursday’s FIFA World Cup match against Qatar, injured Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné drew attention when he was stretchered off while inhaling from a small green tube.
What Is the “Green Whistle”?
The device is Penthrox, commonly known as the “green whistle.” It is a handheld inhaler used for quick pain relief in emergency and sports settings.
It contains methoxyflurane, a fast-acting, non-opioid pain reliever. The portable, disposable inhaler allows patients to control their own intake under supervision.
Each unit contains 3 ml of methoxyflurane and typically begins relieving pain within 4–6 minutes, with effects lasting up to an hour when used intermittently.
Why It’s Used in Sports
The green whistle has become popular among elite sports teams because it offers instant, needle-free pain relief for conscious athletes.
It is commonly used in cases such as:
- Suspected fractures
- Joint dislocations
- Severe soft-tissue injuries
Lightweight and easy to use, it helps manage pain during on-field assessment and while transporting injured players.
Fast-Acting Pain Relief
Explaining its effectiveness, Dr Firozahmad H Torgal said: “The green whistle is a time-buying device, its biggest advantage being rapid onset of action.”
He added: “While intravenous pain-relief drugs might take up to 30 seconds or a minute to take effect, pain relief with methoxyflurane can begin from the first few inhalations itself.”
How It Works
Methoxyflurane is inhaled and quickly absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream, providing rapid relief.
It works on the central nervous system, affecting receptors and ion channels involved in pain signalling. At low doses, it reduces pain without putting the patient under general anaesthesia, allowing them to remain awake and responsive.
Injury Details
Speaking about the incident, Dr Chirag Thonse said: “Koné sustained a tibia injury. It’s a grievous injury as the tibia is the primary weight-bearing bone of the leg.”
He explained the need for immediate relief: “The green whistle ensures the player does not collapse from pain, especially as they are already exhausted and dehydrated from the sport, and as there may also be blood loss associated with the fracture.”
Safety and Side Effects
Doctors emphasize that the green whistle should only be used for short-term pain relief under medical supervision.
Possible side effects include:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Status in India
The green whistle is not approved for routine clinical use in India by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
However, it can be imported through specialised channels under strict regulations for specific medical emergencies.
[With TOI inputs]
