A hoist apparatus for use with a hoist for lifting a load comprises an elongate load bearing member (6, 144, 44), having a longitudinal axis, connected to an intermediate support member (4, 42, 80) comprising a hoist connection element (12, 48, 88), and adjustment means (16, 86, 45) for adjusting the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the elongate load bearing member (6,144, 44) relative to the horizontal by adjusting the configuration of parts of the intermediate support member. The elongate load bearing member (6,144, 44), such as a stretcher, comprises at least two support points (14,19,51,52, 90, 92) spaced apart along its longitudinal axis. The intermediate support member (4, 42, 80) further comprises at least first and second support point connection elements (21,24) each connecting the intermediate support member (4, 42, 80) to a respective support point (14,19) of the elongate load bearing member (6, 144, 44). The first support point connection element (24) is spaced a first distance from the hoist connection element (12, 48, 88) and the second support point connection element (21) is spaced a second distance from the hoist connection element (12, 48, 88). Said distances are adjustable by the adjustment means (16, 48, 45).Un aparato elevador para usarse con un elevador para elevar una carga que comprende un miembro alargado de soporte de carga (6, 144, 44) que tiene un eje longitudinal conectado con un miembro intermedio de soporte (4, 42, 80) que comprende un elemento (12, 48, 88) de conexión del elevador y medios (16, 86, 45) de ajuste para ajustar la orientación del eje longitudinal del miembro alargado de soporte de carga (6, 144, 44) con relación a la horizontal al ajustar la configuración de las partes del miembro intermedio de soporte. El miembro alargado de soporte de carga (6, 144, 44) tal como una camilla comprende por lo menos dos puntos (14, 19, 51, 52, 90, 92) de soporte separados a lo largo del eje longitudinal. El miembro intermedio de
