Objective To describe characteristics per person, time and place assisted due to injuries caused by pyrotechnic products in the National Network of Establishments of Health, El Salvador, since November 1st 2008 to January 06th 2009.

Material and methods Revision of database of assisted patients with injuries caused by pyrotechnic products, starting 1 November 2008 to 6 January 2009. Data base and analysis were done in epi info 2002.

Analysed variables Diagnostic, sex, age, department, municipality, area of residence, date of burn, time of burn, circumstance of burn, type of gunpowder, who caused the burn, with whom was the person at time of the burn, anatomical place, among others.

Results There were 194 patients injured, 63% were assisted in the Network of Hospitals, being the main dates: 24th, 25th, 31st of December and 01st of January. The most affected departments: San Salvador, Santa Ana, Cuscatln and San Vicente; 62, 8% from 5 to 19 years of age. 80,9% male. 77.8% they were lighting gunpowder. 71.6%, the injuries were caused by the people lighting up the pyrotechnic products. Most affected anatomical places: Hands, face and eyes. 22.7% presented complications. 57.2% they had ambulatory first. Total estimated cost: $136 685.

Discussion and conclusions The injuries by pyrotechnic products are a problem of public health, that affects mainly children and youngsters, because of lighting up gunpowder, between the 18:01 and 24:00 h, affecting them mainly their hands, face and eyes, that some times will have further complications that will affect their entire life.