A patient transport system includes a patient transport apparatus operable by a user for transporting a patient along stairs and a loading system for loading and unloading the patient transport apparatus from a vehicle cargo area. The loading system includes a brace configured to be mounted to the cargo area of the vehicle, a first arm supported for rotation between a stowed state and a deployed state, a second arm coupled to the first arm, and a receptacle coupled to the second arm. The receptacle is configured to receive and support the patient transport apparatus for movement relative to the cargo area of the vehicle as the first arm moves between the stowed state and the deployed state. The loading system further includes a ratchet assembly interposed between the brace and the first arm to selectively permit motion of the first arm between the stowed state and the deployed state.