It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 9-1-34 of the General Laws in Chapter 9-1 entitled "Causes of Action" is hereby amended to read as follows:

9-1-34. Administering Cardiopulmonary resuscitation -- Immunity from liability. -- {ADD 9-1-34. Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation/Automated external defibrillation -- Immunity from liability. -- ADD} No person, whether acting in an official capacity or as a private volunteer, who gratuitously renders emergency assistance in the nature of cardiopulmonary resuscitation {ADD or automated external defibrillation ADD} to a person in need thereof, shall be liable for civil damages for any personal injuries which result from acts or omissions by such persons rendering the emergency care, which may constitute ordinary negligence; provided, however, that this immunity applies only to persons who have been trained in accordance with standards promulgated by either the American Heart Association or the American National Red Cross. This immunity does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross, wilful or wanton negligence.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.