A method and cot fastening system for a patienttransport vehicle having a rearwardly located patient accesswhich meet the pull requirements for vertical and lateralmovement are disclosed. The system comprises a rear mounting part,which mounts on the floor of the transport vehicle adjacent thepatient access； a forward mounting part which mounts on thefloor forward of the access, rails connecting the rear mountingpart to the forward mounting part, and a release mechanism. Therails of the cot fastening system help guide the cot into thevehicle and to the forward mounting part. When the cot has reachedthe forward mounting part, a cross-member which forms part ofthe cot undercarriage, is urged against a pair of automaticallylocking securing mechanisms of the forward mounting partwhich secures the cot thereto as well as to the rear mounting partvia catches.
