THEY are the front line in dealing with the tragic aftermath of knife injuries across Hampshire.

All too often ambulance crews see the pain and devastation caused to victims, their friends and family when someone is stabbed.

Today they are getting behind the Daily Echo's campaign to get knives off the streets.

For 24 years Alex Grossart has worked for the ambulance service and has seen first hand what damage knives can do.

The clinical team manager at Southampton Ambulance Station, said: "I think people should be aware of the danger that they can cause carrying a knife. It's a far nastier weapon than people realise and not a cool accessory. If you have a fight with your fists it's over and done with but as soon as you use a knife you can cause permanent and irreversible damage that can cost and wreck lives.

"The problem with knives is they cause puncture wounds which are very difficult to treat and you never know what damage they have caused underneath. It's not like being hit in the face and it's a nasty thing to do to someone and I don't think people realise what damage they have done. Even kitchen knives can kill you if they hit a major artery.

"So we will support any initiative that supports getting knives off the streets and we are absolutely behind the Daily Echo's campaign."

Colleague Rob Kemp, head of operations for the west of Hampshire, added: "We will do anything that we can to persuade the people of Hampshire to stop carrying knives. We have had a recent spate of knife injuries in Southampton and it does appear to be on the increase.

"The chance of someone being injured by a knife greatly increases simply by carrying one. When they have the knife in their pocket they have to think what it would look like sticking out of their chest. They need to stop and think what they are achieving by carrying the knife in the first place.

"It's just so tragic for the youngsters and their families because what does it achieve? Is there a lot of kudos attached to it? It just means you are one step closer to tragedy."

The Daily Echo launched its Carrying A Blade - It's Not Sharp campaign in the wake of the death of teenager Lewis Singleton, who died after being stabbed as he was walking along Obelisk Road, Woolston, in March.

The campaign is backed by Hampshire police, Southampton MP and former Home Office minister John Denham, Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead, and Angie Little, the mother of Dele Little from Totton, who also died of stab wounds.