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medical qualifications

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jimjam38, Nov 23, 2012.

  1. Nov 23, 2012 #1
    jimjam38

    jimjam38 Medium Load Member

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    Nov 6, 2011
    chickasha, oklahoma
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    I know there are certain physical conditions that prohibit you entirely from getting your cdl and driving a cmv. I was wondering though about breathing conditions. I know with a doctor's certification and more frequent checkups, you can drive (having seen several posts from people using CPAP machines). If a person has a condition like COPD, would that prohibit someone from getting their cdl or if a doctor can certify that with treatment a person would be fine to drive would they be able to obtain their license?
     
    jimjam38, Nov 23, 2012
    jimjam38, Nov 23, 2012
    #1
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  3. Nov 23, 2012 #2
    ltwombat

    ltwombat Light Load Member

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    Jun 2, 2012
    Las Vegas, NV
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    391.41(b)(5)

    A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person:

    Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with the ability to control and drive a commercial motor vehicle safely.

    Since a driver must be alert at all times, any change in his or her mental state is in direct conflict with highway safety. Even the slightest impairment in respiratory function under emergency conditions (when greater oxygen supply is necessary for performance) may be detrimental to safe driving.

    There are many conditions that interfere with oxygen exchange and may result in incapacitation, including emphysema, chronic asthma, carcinoma, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis and sleep apnea. If the medical examiner detects a respiratory dysfunction, that in any way is likely to interfere with the driver's ability to safely control and drive a commercial motor vehicle, the driver must be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and therapy.

    Anticoagulation therapy for deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary thromboembolism is not unqualifying once optimum dose is achieved, provided lower extremity venous examinations remain normal and the treating physician gives a favorable recommendation.

    See Conference on Pulmonary/Respiratory Disorders and Commercial Drivers at: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/facts-research/…

    Hope this helps
     
    ltwombat, Nov 23, 2012
    ltwombat, Nov 23, 2012
    #2
  4. Nov 24, 2012 #3
    Hardpan

    Hardpan Bobtail Member

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    May 31, 2008
    Medford, OR
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    I know of a few drivers who use CPAP machines while sleeping so its allowable. The main thing that _all_ drivers need is to sleep well, otherwise falling asleep at the wheel is not going to well work for long.


     
    Hardpan, Nov 24, 2012
    Hardpan, Nov 24, 2012
    #3
  5. Nov 24, 2012 #4
    Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

    15,317
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    Jan 31, 2012
    Green Bay Wi
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    if doctors really enforced the repiratory thing no smoker would be driving
    my inhaler is right beside my marlboros
     
    Cranky Yankee, Nov 24, 2012
    Cranky Yankee, Nov 24, 2012
    #4
    ralph Thanks this.
  7. Nov 25, 2012 #5
    jimjam38

    jimjam38 Medium Load Member

    458
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    Nov 6, 2011
    chickasha, oklahoma
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    lol.

    I was just curious cause as I said some are allowed some are not physician has to sign off on it and so forth. I wanted my wife to get a cdl, but she has Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. She is basically taking a pharmacy of pills to get her lungs to work right, plus she has her "granny pack" as she calls it a portable oxygen tank plus she has a big machine sitting beside the bed. The option with her is for me to get a good driving job that would allow me to take her along as an authorized passenger. The discussion of the COPD thing came up because her brother is diagnosed with it but she is telling him that he won't be able to get a CDL. He takes medication and it is under control. I guess since it won't cost him anything but for the doctor, go see a doc who does DOT physicals. I am assuming someone in his condition a pulmonary function test would be akin to committing hari kari. I took one for my job for respirator fit and I don't smoke and I was seeing little floaty things around my head afterwards.:biggrin_2559:
     
    jimjam38, Nov 25, 2012
    jimjam38, Nov 25, 2012
    #5
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