System for loading/unloading an ambulance stretcher onto/from an ambulance

A system for loading/unloading an ambulance stretcher onto/from an ambulance loading surface, wherein the system comprises:

• a loading/unloading apparatus for a stretcher that can be associated with the loading surface, wherein the loading/unloading apparatus comprises:
• at least one guide fixed to the loading surface;
• a support coupling slidable along the guide fixed to the loading surface between a rear position, wherein it is proximal to a rear opening of the ambulance, a front position, wherein it is distal from the rear opening;
• and
• a temporary locking arrangement connected to at least one between the support coupling and the guide and configured to temporarily lock the support coupling to the guide in at least one between the front position and the rear position or both;
• and
• a stretcher, wherein the stretcher comprises:
• a support frame for supporting a patient;
• a front coupling body connected to a front end of the support frame and configured to be coupled to the support coupling of the loading/unloading apparatus;
• a pair of front legs, each having a front wheel;
• a pair of rear legs, each having a rear wheel;
• an actuation arrangement provided with a front actuator, which moves the pair of front legs and which interconnects the support frame and the pair of front legs, and a rear actuator, which moves the pair of rear legs and which connects the support frame and the pair of rear legs;
• a control unit of the coupling body provided with at least a first sensor connected to the coupling body and configured to detect a correct positioning of the coupling body in the respective support coupling of the loading/unloading apparatus, and at least a second sensor connected to the coupling body configured to detect a load bearing on the coupling body;
• at least one release arrangement arranged at the front end of the support frame and configured to operate a release between the coupling body and the support coupling of the loading/unloading apparatus;
• and
• at least one electronic control unit operatively connected to the actuation arrangement, to the release arrangement and to the control unit and configured to actuate one between the actuation arrangement and the release arrangement as a function of a signal received from at least one between the first sensor and the second sensor of the control unit.