We, the undersigned, are concerned that Chester County does not have a trauma center. Specifically, we are concerned that:

1) residents and visitors to Chester County who are critically injured may not have prompt access to lifesaving trauma services.

2) critically injured patients must be transported long distances to out of county trauma centers.

3) the transport time from injury to admission at trauma centers has increased significantly and is now averaging 70 to 75 minutes, which is well above the "Golden Hour".

4) continuing population growth and related road congestion in the county and region will further impair access to trauma center services.

We support the efforts of the Chester County Trauma Center Task Force to develop comprehensive recommendations on where our trauma center should be located and how this service should be funded, by the public or private sector. We believe that "Its About Time" we have a serious community discussion about the costs and benefits of ensuring all Chester County residents have appropriate access to trauma services.