Hey what?' Tyson said. 'Why? What do you need a gurney…
““Hey what?' Tyson said. 'Why? What do you need a gurney for?' 'Standard procedure,' the EMT said. 'What do you mean, standard procedure?' Tyson said. 'She's fine. She's hardly bleeding, see?' Hardly bleeding? Her bandage was soaked through. 'Suicide watch,' the EMT said curtly. 'Someone who tries to kill herself isn't "fine."' She strapped Starrla to the gurney. Starrla's skirt rode too high, and Wren, ridiculously, wanted to fix it for her. She didn't know how to fix things, though. She didn't know how to fix anything.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A chaotic scene shows how procedural language can mask genuine concern, highlighting the gap between formal duties and personal empathy.
In simple terms: Procedures can hide real feelings.
Key Takeaway
Question empathy over rote actions.
Themes
empathy
procedure
miscommunication
Mood
tense
conflicted
critical
Type
narrative
dialogue
dramatic
When to use this quote
- hospital
- emergency response
- mental health crisis
- interpersonal conflict
Key Concepts
ethics
humanity
caregiving
Questions to Reflect On
- How can responders balance protocol with compassion?
- When does “standard procedure” become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Procedures may overlook individual needs.