In rope rescue, what is the function of a munter hitch?

• A. It serves as a friction hitch/belay method that allows braking without a dedicated belay device.
• B. It is a backup knot used after a failure.
• C. It is used to tie anchors together.
• D. It is the primary climbing knot for harness connection.

Answer: (B)

The Munter hitch is a friction belay method that lets you brake and control rope movement with just a carabiner, without needing a separate belay device. In rope rescue, this setup provides a simple way to belay or lower a load, giving the rescuer tactile control over speed by adjusting the grip and the amount of rope through the hitch. It’s not a backup knot after a device failure, not a method for tying anchors together, and not the primary knot used to connect rope to a harness. Its purpose is to manage belay through friction, rather than to serve as a fixed knot or anchor connection.