Method of unloading an ambulance cot into an ambulance

An ambulance cot loading and unloading device which utilizes an elongate guide track configured for mounting to a floor surface of a cargo area on the ambulance. A trolley is supported for movement relative to the guide track and has an elongate boom. The ambulance cot has a powered collapsible and extendable base and a patient support deck mounted on the base. A connection mechanism is provided on the trolley and the ambulance cot which is configured to interconnect and securely hold the ambulance cot on the trolley.