A group of people arrived at the emergency room unit by a private car with complaints of periorbital swelling, cough, and tightness in the throat. There is a strong odor emanating from their clothes. They report exposure to a "gas bomb" that was set off in the house. What is the priority action?

a. Direct the clients to the decontamination area
b. Measure vital signs and auscultate lung sounds
c. Immediately remove other clients and visitors from the area
d. Direct the clients to the cold or clean zone for immediate treatment