City ambulance crews are still using paper maps to respond to emergency calls, which could spell the difference between life and death to ailing New Yorkers, some observers say.

Queens Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley said the reason most EMTs don’t use GPS is because their ambulance’s computers aren’t compatible.

Many who do use mapping apps run them on their own cellphones, said the Democrat, who is scheduled to hold a City Council hearing on ambulance response times Tuesday.

“It’s absurd,” she said. “Most average New Yorkers are able to get around with GPS software more easily than EMS drivers with lights and sirens.”

Since 2005, ambulances have used tracking software, but the automatic vehicle locators, or AVLs, only allow dispatchers to track ambulance location — they don’t enable drivers to pinpoint destination.

The FDNY, which oversees the EMS, says it is “currently upgrading” its computer system to allow for GPS the changes will be complete this year for fire rigs, and next year for EMS.

“EMTs and paramedics are not prohibited from using GPS,” said FDNY spokesman Frank Gribbon. “They are prohibited from using devices that would distract them from driving, like cellphones and MP3 players.”