PAOLI, Pa. (CBS) – Chester County is one of the fastest growing areas in the region. Until now, people with severe injuries there had to be transported long distances. Not anymore, Paoli Hospital is now a trauma hospital, and Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl talked to one of the first patients to benefit from that.

Amanda Bailey was severely injured when she was kicked by her horse in her abdomen. With internal bleeding, she needed treatment at a trauma hospital, fast. She was transported to Paoli Hospital in minutes.

“It was fantastic to have it so close by,” said Amanda.

Paoli Hospital is now a Level 2 Trauma center. Before this opened patients with severe injuries in and around Chester County would have to be transported to Reading, Philadelphia or Delaware County.

“They don’t get there for sometimes up to 75, 80 minutes after their accident,” said Dr. Kris Kaulback, the Trauma Medical Director at Paoli Hospital. He says every second counts when it comes to saving the lives of people with catastrophic injuries.

“It’s extraordinarily important,” said Dr. Kaulback.

To be designated as a trauma center, hospitals have to have a variety of resources constantly available.

“You need an in-house trauma surgeon available 24 hours a day. In hospital anesthesiologist, nursing staff for the operating room,” said Dr. Kaulback.

With the official ribbon cutting Paoli Hospital now becomes the only trauma center on the Main Line.

Amanda is relieved that help was so close.

“Everyone was right on it, courteous, helpful, quick. It’s been a really great experience.

Reported by: Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3