In this high-stakes situation, negotiating with the protesters via the intercom represents a balanced approach that prioritizes de-escalation and seeks to obtain access for Dr. Thorne without immediately bypassing security protocols, potentially saving the patient's life while respecting hospital procedures. This choice considers the ethical principles of beneficence by aiming to facilitate timely medical intervention and non-maleficence by avoiding forceful actions that could escalate the protest or lead to harm. It affects stakeholders including the patient, whose life is at risk, the doctor who needs access, the protesters whose concerns should be addressed, and the hospital's reputation, with the trade-off being a possible short delay that might still allow for surgery but introduces uncertainty about the protesters' response.