The invention finds application in the field of ambulance transport, emergency transport and other transport equipment. It relates to a stretcher (1) of the type comprising an upper frame (2) with a articulated platform (3) mounted thereto; a from loading carriage (4). The stretcher (1) has at least one additional rear leg (9) and a corresponding support (10) for holding said rear leg (9) against the upper frame (2), in such a manner as to be suspended between the front loading carriage (4) and the additional rear leg (9) during loading and unloading. The provision of a motor-driven coupling system/device allows automatic loading and unloading of said stretcher (1).