Heart and stroke volunteers are looking for support to provide the latest in research for those who have had a stroke.

Kate Chidester, Vice President, Advocacy, Health and Research with the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Alberta says a new study shows extensive gaps in recovery support.

"We are looking in Alberta at rural and remote access to services once you leave hospital, but we do know that when you're in an urban centre that you're more likely to be able to more easily access services so it is a priority to look at rural and remote access," she says.

She says one of the most important issues they want to get out is a stroke can happen at any age so it's important to know the signs and call 9-1-1 as quickly as possible.

"We have terrific EMS protocols here in Alberta for stroke, and when you call treatment and assessment starts right away as soon as the paramedics get there," Chidester says. "So you are taken to the nearest primary, secondary stroke centre where you'll receive the best treatment quickly so it's best you don't just get in the car with the person you're with, even if you think you're closest to the hospital because there may be a primary centre that they (EMS) would rather take you to."

Know the signs of a stroke with the acronym FAST:

F is for face: is it drooping?
A is for arms: can you raise both?
S is for speech: is it garbled or jumbled?
T is for time: time to call 9-1-1

44% of Albertans polled could not recognize any of the FAST signs of stroke
74% of Albertans know that they need to call 9-1-1 if they witness a stroke.

Chidester hopes Albertans will welcome Heart and Stroke Volunteers when they come to the door this month or go to heartandstroke.ca