Question
WHAT ARE THE DOT STANDARDS FOR A PERSON TO HAVE THAT HAS HAD 2 MAJOR HEART ATTACKS IN LESS THAN 1 YR. PEROID .THE REASON THAT i'M ASKING IS THAT i KNOW OF A DRIVER THAT HAS HAD THE 2 ATTACKS & IS ON NITRO PILLS UNDER THE TONGUE . THIS PERSON IS STILL DRIVING TRUCK ACROSS COUNTRY. THIS PERSON SCARES ME THAT THEY COULD HAVE A THIRD ONE AND KILL SOMEONE OR A FAMILY ON THE ROADS AS WELL AS THEMSELF. WHAT do i do call DOT? I know this is a serious safety concern
Answer
Well Newfie, this is somewhat of a grey area.
You indicate that this person has had 2 heart attacks in less than one year. Are you sure this person has had 2 HEART attacks or are they suffering from angina attacks? Nitro under the tongue is usually prescribed for releiving anginal attacks. Anyone who has had 2 myocardial infarcts (Medical terminology for heart attack)in one year should be receiving a whole lot more than that! But even if it is angina, it ia a disqualifier.
Be sure you have your facts straight, then go to your safety director with your concerns. 49 CFR Part 40 Subpart E Section 391.41 (4)states that the driver must not have a clinical diagnosis of mayocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other cardiovascualr disease that would be accompanied by syncope (dizziness), dyspnea (shortness of breath), collapse, or congestive cardiac failure.
Now here's the kicker. If this person seemed reasonably healthy at his last DOT exam which is usually performed every 2 years, he may not have had to go for another DOT exam since then. The carrier SHOULD have sent him for one when he returned to driving after these "heart attacks". If the carrier KNOWS about his medical condition and has failed to send him for another exam, then they are in violation. If he has had an exam and has a statement from his cardiologist indicating that the cardiologist is aware of his condition and the requirements of the drivers job duties, and that in his opinion he is safe to perform these duties, then the carrier is off the hook but the cardiologist is on it if something happens while this person is behind the wheel. Unless he has performed stress testing and found no reason to be concerned and can back this up with his test results, he is taking a big risk with his medical lisence.
I would definitely be concerned, but like I said, make sure you have your facts straight. Then go to the safety director of the carrier with your concerns. If you are not satisified with their response, you may contact the DOT in your state and they will check it out (we hope). Let me know what you find out.
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Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse Red
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