Using Timers: Complete Guide

Learn how to create, manage, and work with timers in RoomTimers. This is your comprehensive guide to day-to-day timer operations.

Creating a New Timer

Quick Start Method

1. Click the + New Timer button (top-right or center of screen)
2. Fill in the timer details:
   • Room (required) - Select which treatment room
   • Provider (optional) - Select the practitioner
   • Duration (required) - Enter time in minutes (e.g., 30)
   • Notes (optional) - Add any additional information
3. Click Start Timer

The timer will immediately appear in the Active Timers list and sync across all devices!

Timer States & Colors

Timers use color coding to show their current state:

🟢 Green - Running

Timer is actively counting down. Time remaining is shown in green text.

🟡 Yellow - Paused

Timer has been paused. Shows "PAUSED" badge and remaining time doesn't change.

🔴 Red - Expired

Timer has reached 00:00 and is overdue. Shows time in red text with a negative value (e.g., "-05:30" means 5 minutes 30 seconds overdue).

🔵 Blue - Completed/Cleared

Timer has been manually cleared and removed from the active list.

Managing Timers

Pause a Timer

1. Find the timer in the Active Timers list
2. Click the Pause button (⏸️)
3. Timer stops counting down and shows "PAUSED" badge

When to pause: Patient needs to step out, emergency interruption, or temporary delay.

Resume a Timer

1. Find the paused timer (shows "PAUSED" badge)
2. Click the Resume button (▶️)
3. Timer continues counting down from where it left off

Clear a Timer

1. Find the timer you want to clear
2. Click the Clear button (🗑️)
3. Confirm the action (if prompted)
4. Timer is removed from the active list

When to clear: Treatment is complete, patient has left, or timer is no longer needed.

Reading Timer Information

Each timer card displays:

• Room Name - Which room the timer is for
• Provider Name - Who the timer is assigned to (if specified)
• Time Remaining - Countdown timer (or overdue time if expired)
• Start Time - When the timer was originally started
• Expected End Time - When the timer is scheduled to expire
• Status Badge - Shows if timer is paused or expired
• Notes - Any additional information (if provided)

Timer Sorting & Organization

Timers are automatically organized by:

1. Expired Timers First - Red/overdue timers appear at the top
2. Soonest to Expire Next - Active timers sorted by time remaining
3. Paused Timers Last - Paused timers appear at the bottom

This ensures you always see the most urgent timers first!

Real-Time Synchronization

All timer actions sync automatically across devices:

• ✅ Create a timer on your phone → See it on your tablet
• ✅ Pause on the front desk computer → Everyone sees it paused
• ✅ Clear on any device → Timer disappears for everyone

Connection Status: Look for the green connection indicator in the top-right. If it's yellow or red, you may experience sync delays.

Best Practices

✅ DO

• Clear timers when treatment is complete
• Use specific room names for clarity
• Add provider names to track who's with which patient
• Check expired timers regularly (they're highlighted in red)
• Use pause for temporary interruptions

❌ DON'T

• Don't leave expired timers running indefinitely
• Don't create duplicate timers for the same room
• Don't use timers for non-treatment purposes (use other tools)
• Don't forget to clear timers at end of day

Common Scenarios

Scenario: Treatment Running Long

Problem: Timer expired but patient still in room.

Solution: Leave the timer running - it shows overdue time. Clear it when patient leaves.

Scenario: Patient Needs Bathroom Break

Problem: Need to pause treatment time.

Solution: Click Pause. Resume when patient returns.

Scenario: Multiple Providers

Problem: Two practitioners in same room.

Solution: Create separate timers with different provider names.

Scenario: Emergency Interruption

Problem: Need to stop all treatment timers.

Solution: Pause each timer individually. Resume when ready.

Timer Limits & Cleanup

• ⏱️ Maximum Duration: 480 minutes (8 hours)
• 🧹 Auto-Cleanup: Timers are automatically deleted 6 hours after they expire
• 📊 Active Limit: No limit on active timers per organization

Troubleshooting

Timer Not Appearing?

1. Check your connection status (top-right)
2. Refresh the page
3. Verify you're in the correct organization

Can't Clear a Timer?

1. Make sure you have permission (any role can clear)
2. Check if you have a stable connection
3. Try refreshing the page

Timer Disappeared?

• It may have been cleared by another user
• Check if it was expired for more than 6 hours (auto-deleted)
• Verify you're viewing the correct organization

Need Help?

For additional assistance, contact support at roomtimers.com/contact-us or check our other knowledge base articles.