Purpose Statement

1. This article explains the enhanced Date/Time field functionality in the ePCR system, which now provides both direct keyboard input capabilities and calendar picker options to accommodate different user preferences and improve data entry efficiency.

Background Information

1. The Date/Time component has been redesigned to address user feedback from both EMS communities. Previously, clicking into Date/Time fields automatically opened a slide-out modal that could obscure other parts of the report. The new implementation provides users with the choice between direct keyboard entry with intelligent auto-completion and the traditional calendar picker interface.
2. This enhancement maintains the intelligent date/time logic while providing more flexible input methods. Users can now enter dates and times using keyboard shortcuts with automatic field progression, or use the calendar icon to access the full picker interface when more detailed selection is needed.

Required Permissions

• Read
• Update
• Create

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

• Date/Time fields display a calendar icon that can be clicked separately from the input field
• Clicking directly into the field enables keyboard input mode
   

• Clicking the calendar icon opens the full picker interface
   

Step 2: Using Keyboard Input Mode

• Click directly into the Date/Time field to enable keyboard input
• The field displays masking format (MM/DD/YYYY HH:mm:ss)
• Begin typing to enter date and time values directly
   

 

Step 3: Utilizing Auto-Progression Logic

• When entering single-digit values that are unambiguous, the system automatically moves to the next field section
• For example: entering "8" for month automatically progresses to the day field
• For ambiguous entries (like "1" for month), wait or enter "01" to progress immediately
   

 

Step 4: Field-Specific Behavior

• Month field: Entering "3" = March, entering "7" = July (auto-progresses)
• Day field: Entering "7" becomes "07" (auto-progresses)
• Ambiguous entries: Entering "1" waits for second digit or manual progression
• Year field: Requires full 4-digit entry
• Time fields: Hours (0-23), Minutes/Seconds (0-59)
   

 

Step 5: Using the Calendar Picker

• Click the calendar icon within the field to open the full picker interface
• Use interactive controls for precise date and time selection
• The picker maintains sync with the keyboard input field
   

 

Step 6: Leveraging Quick Selection Buttons

• Use "Today" button to populate current date
• Use "Response Time" button to insert response-related timestamps
• Buttons display actual times when available or --:--:-- when empty
   

 

Step 7: Using Current Date/Time Button

• Click to insert system date/time with correct formatting
• Values can be overwritten and remain fully editable
• Maintains sync with calendar picker
   

 

Step 8: Handling Validation

• Invalid date/times entered via keyboard are flagged immediately
• Invalid entries are automatically cleared to prevent database issues
• System provides specific error messages for different validation failures
   

Step 9: Using Paste Functionality

• Valid date/time formats can be pasted directly into fields
• Invalid pasted content is automatically rejected
• System validates pasted content using the same logic as manual entry
   

 

Step 10: Field Clearing

• Use the clear button to reset fields completely
• Clearing maintains proper sync between all interface components
   

---

Best Practices

• Use keyboard input for rapid data entry when familiar with date formats
• Utilize the calendar picker for precise date selection or unfamiliar date ranges
• Take advantage of auto-progression by entering unambiguous single digits
• Use quick selection buttons for common timestamps like current time or response times
• Verify date entries immediately to catch validation errors early
• Clear fields completely rather than partially editing to avoid validation conflicts
• Practice with the auto-progression logic to improve data entry speed

Troubleshooting & FAQs

1. The system waits for ambiguous entries like "1" since it could be "10", "11", "12", etc. Enter "01" or wait to complete the full entry.
    

1. Invalid dates are immediately flagged and cleared from the field to prevent database issues. You'll need to re-enter a valid date.
    

1. Yes, click the calendar icon within the field to access the full picker interface similar to the previous slide-out functionality.
    

1. The system validates all pasted content. Ensure your pasted date matches accepted formats (MM/DD/YYYY HH:mm:ss).
    

1. This indicates that no time value is available for that particular button option. The button won't perform any action when clicked.
    

1. The field will show proper formatting and won't display validation errors. Complete dates follow the MM/DD/YYYY HH:mm:ss format.