What does a prusik hitch provide when excessive force is applied?

A prusik hitch serves a crucial role in the context of rope rescue as it offers an overload warning to users when excessive force is applied. This is primarily because the design of the prusik hitch allows it to slide freely under normal circumstances, but when a significant load is placed on it, the knot tightens around the rope and creates resistance.

This functionality can alert the user that the system is experiencing forces beyond a typical operational load, thus acting as a warning system. This characteristic is particularly valuable in rescue scenarios where awareness of load conditions is critical to safety.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of a prusik hitch under excessive force. While it may enhance grip under normal loads, the term "enhanced grip" more directly refers to its ability to hold when not loaded heavily. Friction reduction contradicts the operational principle of the hitch, as it actually increases friction when under load. Maximum strength is not an inherent characteristic to the prusik hitch itself but can be influenced by the system's overall setup and the materials in use.