A mechanical lift features the low profile of a traditional wood and cloth cot stretcher allowing patients to be easily rolled or moved upon a flat surface. An integrated mechanical lift system then lifts a patient to a raised or seated position without need for manual lifting. The lift allows patients to be moved and transported without back strain to health care workers or first responders. The lift may be raised by the mechanical movement or expansion of a piston. A seat plate 420 may rest upon a non-tilting seat strut 310 and become a seat as the lift rises. During the lifting process, a back plate 400, attached to a back strut 205 gently rises to place the patient in a seated position as a leg plate 440 lowers.
