This document provides guidelines for using proportional assist ventilation (PAV) mode on a ventilator based on four conditions of a patient: 1. No respiratory distress. Gradually reduce assist and PEEP over time. 2. Respiratory distress develops. Increase PEEP until compliance no longer increases, then increase assist gradually until distress is resolved. 3. Inefficient gas exchange without distress. Gradually increase PEEP until compliance plateaus and assess blood gases. May need to switch to control modes. 4. Respiratory distress from overassist. Gradually increase assist to maximum 90% and switch mode if breaths become excessively prolonged.