according to ACEP, in-flight emergencies occur about once every 600 flights, so it's really surprising to me to see people here who have responded to 4 or 5 -- implying those people have flown thousands of segments (and as medical professionals to boot, and not traveling salesmen). then again, i suppose it's both luck of the draw and dependent on what markets you're frequenting ("gomer load" is probably a factor).

i typically fly 20-25 segments a year, have done so for the past 10-15 years, and have never (not once!) even heard the flight crew ask if there was a medical professional on board.