A driver had a myocardial infarction 5 weeks prior to his DOT exam. What certification decision should the examiner make?

When a driver has experienced a myocardial infarction, the medical examiner must carefully consider the implications of such a significant cardiovascular event on the driver's ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines, drivers who have had a myocardial infarction must meet specific criteria to be deemed fit for duty.

In this case, the driver had a myocardial infarction just five weeks prior to the exam, which is a relatively recent occurrence. The guidelines recommend disqualification for drivers within the first two months following a myocardial infarction due to the elevated risk of subsequent cardiac events, such as arrhythmias or another heart attack, which could lead to a sudden incapacitating event while driving.

Since it has only been five weeks since the infarction, the driver has not yet met the required recovery and assessment period, including the necessary follow-up evaluations by a cardiologist. Thus, the most appropriate and safe decision for the examiner is to disqualify the driver at this time, ensuring the safety of the driver and others on the road. The disqualification allows for a proper assessment and rehabilitation period before reconsidering certification options down the line.