Yes, you could in fact keep a folded piece of paper in your wallet with your medications listed on it. However, in reality nobody actually does that, and even if you were to do it, there is no guarantee that the paper would be found by the ER nurse looking for your ID and insurance card in your wallet. And even if the nurse miraculously finds the piece of paper, there's no way to know that he or she will be able to read each medication and drug allergy listed. Our medication cards are paper thin but incredibly strong and tear proof, water proof, and printed in large easy to read font. The card should be placed directly behind your ID or insurance card, so that it will be identified right away in the emergency room, and will be easy to read for any of your providers. Also, because it is so thin and light, it won't bulk-up and weigh-down your wallet. For each order we send 10 identical medication cards, so that you'll have enough for all of your providers, pharmacists, and loved ones who are involved in your care in some way.