What should the EMT do when encountering a patient with track marks who is an IV drug user?

When encountering a patient with track marks who is identified as an IV drug user, the appropriate action for the EMT is to continue care while wearing gloves. This is essential for several reasons. First, the use of gloves provides a barrier against potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, which are a risk when dealing with IV drug users due to the potential presence of infectious agents such as HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.

Continuing care with gloves ensures that the EMT can safely assess and treat the patient without compromising their own safety or the safety of others. It also allows for proper handling of any medical procedures or interventions that may be necessary while minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

Using additional personal protective equipment like goggles or gowns may be indicated in specific situations where there is a risk of splashes or extensive exposure to bodily fluids, but in the context of simply engaging with the patient and providing care, gloves alone are typically sufficient. The necessity of a HEPA mask would usually only arise in specific respiratory situations, not as a standard precaution.