One of the 2,100 knives handed in during the amnesty in Kent

Police said 2,210 knives were handed over in the county in the first four weeks of a national knife amnesty which runs until 30 June.

Paramedic Sharon Huckstepp, from Canterbury, said people were carrying the weapons for self defence.

"People feel vulnerable and feel they need to protect themselves," she said.

"We are seeing more and more weapons being carried."

I don't think people realise the impact of even a very small knife Karina Greenan

She told BBC Radio Kent someone threatened her when her crew was called to treat a patient who had collapsed.

"I felt something in my back - I wasn't quite sure what it was - and turned round to find the relative [of a patient] holding a large knife at my back," Ms Huckstepp said.

"He said, 'If they die, you die'."

More than 100 incidents of assaults on staff in hospitals in Medway were reported last year.

Medway Maritime Hospital has a round-the-clock security team and counselling for workers affected. Other measures include training staff in conflict resolution.

Paring knife

Karina Greenan, modern matron at the hospital's A&E department, said ambulance crews sometimes brought in patients who had knives.

"They aren't in a position to take it off them because they don't want to be injured," she said.

"I don't think people realise the impact of even a very small knife - even a kitchen paring knife can kill somebody. "

She said new powers enabling police to fine and eject people who posed a danger from A&E were helping.

"There was one patient who was particularly difficult and very disruptive in the waiting room," she said.

"Police were called and they gave her a fixed penalty fine of �80."

But the Royal College of Nursing is calling for tougher penalties.

"A heavy fine or custodial sentence sends out a clear message that healthcare workers are not there to be assaulted and abused," said spokeswoman Sheila Brewer.