What you'll accomplish
By the end of this guide, you'll have Claude set up with your agency's protocols uploaded as a reference document. Instead of flipping through a thick PDF, you'll be able to ask questions like "What's the max dose of adenosine in our protocol?" or "What does our protocol say about RSI indications?" and get direct answers from your actual protocols.
What you'll need
- Claude Pro subscription ($20/month at claude.ai)
- Your agency's protocol document in PDF or text format (ask your medical director or supervisor for the digital version)
- A computer or tablet for initial setup
- Time needed: 45 minutes to set up; 2 minutes per lookup after that
- Cost: $20/month (Claude Pro)
How-To Guide: Build a Personal Protocol Reference Assistant
Step 1: Get your agency's protocols in digital format
Ask your supervisor, EMS coordinator, or medical director for the current protocol document as a PDF. Most agencies distribute protocols digitally. If yours only has printed books, ask if there's a digital version — virtually all modern EMS agencies have PDF protocols.
What you should see: A PDF file on your computer, typically named something like "County EMS Protocols 2025.pdf" Troubleshooting: If no digital version exists, you can also find many state protocol documents online — search "[your state] EMS protocols PDF." Note that some agency protocols are locally customized, so state-level protocols may differ.