Question
Nurse Red,
I have two questions. One may sound weird and the other one should be simple.
1. I know a DOT physical is required to get a CDL. I am retiring from the US Coast Guard and am required to get a complete physical prior to release (already did). Here is the question: Since the USCG is under the DOT not the DOD, will this physical satisfy the requirements of a DOT physical for a CDL?
2. On a DOT physical, what is the min/max for pulse and blood pressure? Thanks
------------------
2 Months, XX days, and a wake-up,
Dan
Answer
You pose an interesting question. For years I had an FAA First Class medical certificate issued under the auspices of the Department of Transportation with a checkup every six months far more rigorous that the trucking physical. I used this in lieu of the DOT trucker's medical for many years (I guess I'm lucky I was never stopped by Mike Millard) , however one employer refused to recognize the document and alleged I was driving illegally. A little bit of common sense is in order. There is a problem with the regulations because clearly there is no reason to undergo the expense and time of unnecessary physicals. Nevertheless, technically, there doesn't seem to have been any sort of coordinated effort to have "one DOT physical" to cover all. If you get into an accident with a "parallel equivelant physical" chances are you won't be in any legal trouble. Chances are equally that no personnel department is going to recognize anything but the regular truckers physical so you won't get hired.
Answer
It is certainly a mystery to me wh a physical exam from one component of the Transportation industry will not carry over to another, but there are certain requirements that must be met for one as opposed to another. I have reviewed the exam requirements for all (including airlines, railroad, etc.) and it seems the easiest to pass is the DOT physical for trucking. It would seem to me that if you held one of the other medical certificates it should qualify you. But not so.
Sorry, you (or the company you are signing on with) is going to have to spend the few extra bucks to get the correct physical. BTW, we only charge $40.00 for a DOT physical, what are you all paying elsewhere?
The minimum/maximums for pulse and b?P are as follows. 60-90 BPM (at rest) for normal pulse. 100-160 BPM(after 2 min. of exercise). These are not closely monitored as a rule unless there is an irregularity or glaring abnormality.
As for B/P- It must be below 160/90 to qualify for a two yr. card. If you are newly diagnosed with hypertension and are beginning treatment, there are other mandates that come into play. The same goes for someone who has been diagnosed with hypertension in the past and is controlled on medications.
------------------
Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse Red
Visit us at www.Truck.net/abmsVisit us at
Answer
Never mind - found my answer in a previous posting
Tim
[This message has been edited by tgage (edited February 02, 2000).]