What is the primary purpose of the SAM junctional tourniquet?

The primary purpose of the SAM junctional tourniquet is to control bleeding where traditional tourniquets are ineffective. This device is specifically designed to address severe hemorrhaging in areas of the body where conventional tourniquets may not be suitable, such as in junctional zones where limbs connect to the torso, including the groin and axilla (armpit). By effectively compressing these areas, the tourniquet can significantly reduce blood loss, which is crucial in trauma scenarios and can be life-saving.

The other choices pertain to functions that are not directly aligned with the primary purpose of the SAM junctional tourniquet. While some devices may assist with stabilizing fractures or immobilizing the spine, this particular tourniquet focuses primarily on hemorrhage control. Applying pressure to open wounds, although related to controlling bleeding, does not encapsulate the specialized function of the SAM junctional tourniquet, which is engineered for specific anatomical challenges associated with junctional bleeding.