This invention relates to a cart (hand cart, dolley) for the safe transport of an elongated load in a horizontal position and in particular to carts for transporting spinal boards, rescue stretchers, rescue baskets, full body vacuum splits and similar loads and their passengers in a horizontal position, where the wheels can be repositioned horizontally along the cart to facilitate loading and then for improved balance and cart mobility on stairs, narrow hallways and uneven terrain. Other elongated load, including sea kayaks, surfboards, construction materials, etc., may also be transported by a cart of the nature disclosed. The wheels may also be mounted on a hinged strut, which permits the wheels to swing fully out from under the cart during loading and then back under the cart during operation. Shock absorbers along the strut and/or the wheel mounts may permit a balanced horizontal transport with a smooth ride even on rough or uneven terrain.
