Beyond the Lot: Delivering Precious Cargo at UPHS

On an early morning Daniel Ijigu , who is Impark 's Senior Parking Manager at the Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), started his day as usual at the valet lot located down the street from UPHS. During his shift, Daniel heard screams in the lobby and discovered a woman alone and doubled over, clearly in labor. Wasting no time, he sprang into action and called Shuttle Bus Driver Bruce Rodgers, who had just clocked into work, to come and assist.?

Although Impark ’s operations and field teams are trained to respond to all types of situations, they quickly understood that this moment was unusual and time sensitive. Both Daniel and Bruce immediately loaded the patient and her luggage onto the shuttle and drove straight to the UPHS Emergency Department parking lot. Bruce’s usual route starts at the Pavilion; however, understanding the severity of the situation, he made the split-second decision to get the patient into the care of UPHS's medical professionals as soon as possible.?

Furthermore, patients in labor typically arrive at a separate entrance that leads to the Labor and Delivery ward rather than the Emergency Department. But in this instance, Bruce understood that following this protocol wasn’t possible - UPHS clinicians say he made the best decision by going directly to the ED parking lot.?

In the short drive over, Bruce could tell the patient was about to deliver. He quickly signaled security to help call for medical staff as they arrived.?

An ED Technician was the first to arrive at the parked shuttle and assisted in the safe delivery of the baby. As other staff arrived, they quickly provided medical attention to the mother and newborn baby and procured necessary supplies. Shortly after, medical staff brought both inside to continue their care.?

"In my 30 years of working with Impark, I have known of only one or two babies born in the ED parking lot," said Daniel.

Shortly thereafter, UPHS Environmental Services staff cleaned the shuttle bus, and Bruce, our hero of the day, was back to work on his usual routes.?

"I am proud to be part of a team that are passionate about their craft, put patients first, and wear their heart on their sleeve," said Steven M. Maiden, CPP , City Manager. "The entire team celebrates this event, and each of them can hold their heads high and confidently say it's all in a day's work."

This occurrence is an example of Impark ’s commitment to providing exceptional service. Our teams consistently go above and beyond to support our clients and customers.

"One of the things I love most about working here is the focus on teamwork when things like this happen," said Daniel. "Knowing the parking garage may be a patient’s first interaction with UPHS means compassion and customer service are embedded in the job."