The quote highlights the stark contrast between the urgency of life-saving situations and the calmness associated with death. A patient heading for surgery is surrounded by an environment full of determination, with caregivers actively engaged in their duties, reflecting the critical nature of the moment. In contrast, the presence of a gurney carrying a deceased person evokes a sense of tranquility and resignation as it is handled with minimal attention, symbolizing an absence of life and urgency.

This juxtaposition effectively underscores the human response to life and death within a hospital setting. The swift, purposeful movements of medical staff signify hope and the fight for life, while the slow, deliberate handling of a cadaver illustrates the acceptance of mortality. Ultimately, Roach's observations paint a vivid picture of the contrasting realities faced in these critical healthcare moments.