Thank you gentlemen.  Both of those are useful workarounds.

I do have to say I'd like to keep the formatting, though.  I'll try opening
one of the PDFs using word, and saving out the resulting docx to see what
happens.

The above being said, I can't imagine that it would be difficult to "pack
and ship" a searchable document format of this reference with NVDA itself,
but I may be the very odd bird who likes to have these references available
separate from the screen reader even when I am using the screen reader.
--

Brian - Windows 10, 64-Bit, Version 21H1, Build 19043

I do not understand why some seek to separate a person from their actions.
The self is composed of an individual’s thoughts, actions, and expression,
which are contained in and actuated by the body.  What you do and say is the
clearest indicator of who you are.

~ Brian Vogel